Senate President Godswill Akpabio has addressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu's prolonged absence from Nigeria, emphasizing that the President is still in power and running the country's affairs from abroad. Speaking in Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio dismissed speculation about a leadership vacuum, stating that Tinubu's working leave does not affect his ability to govern. According to Akpabio, Tinubu is still in contact with officials at home and will return to commission presidential projects.
Akpabio's comments come amid renewed debate over Tinubu's absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently leading Nigeria's delegation. The President left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week working vacation in Europe, initially traveling to London before moving to Paris, France. While in Paris, Tinubu met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss bilateral relations.
The Presidency has defended Shettima's representation of Nigeria at the UNGA, stating that the Vice President is attending with the full mandate of the President. Akpabio's remarks now add the National Assembly leadership's voice to the Presidency's position that there is no leadership vacuum and that Tinubu remains the country's sitting President while on his extended working leave.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had questioned the constitutional basis for Tinubu's continued absence without a formal transfer of power, citing Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution. However, Akpabio argued that technological advancements have made it possible for Tinubu to continue directing government affairs while outside the country. He emphasized that the President is still in power and that there is no vacancy in the Presidency.
Akpabio also clarified that he is not acting as President, stating that Tinubu remains in power and continues to run the affairs of the country from abroad. He stressed that those raising concerns about a possible leadership vacuum are merely speculating and that he, as Chairman of the National Assembly, is the appropriate authority to speak on the issue.
The Senate President revealed that Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend, having extended his stay in Europe beyond the initial three-week period. Akpabio also disclosed that the President will commission presidential projects upon his return, although he declined to provide details of the projects.
The Federal Government has maintained that Tinubu remains in charge and can govern from anywhere, and Akpabio's comments have reinforced this position. The development has triggered renewed political and constitutional debate, but the National Assembly leadership's stance is that Tinubu's absence does not create a leadership vacuum.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu remains in power and is running the country's affairs from abroad despite his extended stay in Europe.
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed concerns over a leadership vacuum, stating that Tinubu's working leave does not affect his ability to govern.
- The National Assembly leadership has reinforced the Presidency's position that Tinubu's absence does not create a leadership vacuum.
