Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that there is no leadership vacuum in Aso Villa despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's ongoing vacation. Tinubu began a 21-day working leave on August 30, which he extended until the weekend. Akpabio made these comments in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, during the inauguration of GRA roads built by the Umo Eno Administration. He emphasized that the President remained in office and continued to perform his constitutional duties while away.
Akpabio's comments were in response to criticisms from opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. They questioned the constitutional basis for the current arrangement, with Makinde suggesting that power should be transmitted to the Vice President when the President is away on leave. Akpabio argued that the President could still give instructions over the internet and that there was no absence in Aso Rock.
The Senate President highlighted the President's continued engagement, citing his recent diplomatic contacts with French President Emmanuel Macron and International Industrialist Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency had earlier stated that Tinubu remained in touch with developments at home and continued to direct the affairs of government while abroad. Akpabio also noted that he was not the acting President of Nigeria, as President Tinubu was still in power.
Governor Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), responded to Akpabio's comments, stating that he would transmit power to his vice-president whenever he was away on leave if elected president. Makinde spoke at the Northwest Consultative Meeting of his campaign organisation in Katsina, Katsina State. He expressed concerns about Tinubu's continued absence and promised to follow the Constitution to the letter if he became President.
Makinde's comments were echoed by former Senate President Pius Anyim, who defended Tinubu's absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Anyim said that Vice President Kashim Shettima was capable of representing Nigeria. The Presidency and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris also stated that Tinubu's absence from the UNGA was not a setback for Nigeria.
Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, noted that more than 60 per cent of presidents would not attend this year's UNGA, and that leaders could be represented by their vice-presidents or foreign ministers. Shettima, who has been attending sideline events at the ongoing UNGA, is scheduled to deliver Nigeria's statement.
The debate over the transmission of presidential powers has generated renewed discussion, with opposition figures questioning the constitutional basis for the current arrangement. Section 145 of the Constitution addresses the transmission of presidential powers when the President is unable to discharge the functions of his office. The issue remains a matter of concern for many Nigerians, with some arguing that the President's absence could create a leadership vacuum.
Key points
- Akpabio dismisses calls for Tinubu to hand over power to Shettima during his vacation.
- Makinde promises to transmit power to his vice-president if elected president.
- The Presidency defends Tinubu's absence from the UNGA, citing his continued engagement and Shettima's capability to represent Nigeria.
