Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's prolonged absence from Nigeria, questioning who is currently in charge of the country. Tinubu has been on vacation in Europe since August 30, and Atiku argues that 21 days have elapsed without a written declaration from the President to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, as required by the Constitution. This has triggered concerns about the legitimacy of the current leadership.
According to Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution, when the President proceeds on vacation, they must transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, allowing the Vice President to perform the functions of the President as Acting President. Atiku cited this provision, emphasizing that Nigerians are entitled to know who is in charge of the country. He also noted that Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Atiku's concerns are heightened by the fact that both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are abroad, leaving Nigerians wondering who is exercising presidential authority. He stressed that Nigeria cannot be governed by assumptions or social media posts from Europe. The situation is further complicated by recent incidents, including the deaths of 37 Nigerians in NSCDC custody in Minna and the rising cost of petrol, which has reached N1,500 per liter in some parts of the country.
Atiku called on the Presidency to immediately inform Nigerians whether President Tinubu transmitted the required declaration before leaving the country. He also urged the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House to confirm whether they received such communication. If no declaration was transmitted within the constitutionally stipulated period, Atiku argued that the National Assembly must explain why the procedure provided by Section 145(2) has not been activated.
The former Vice President emphasized that Nigeria deserves visible, accountable, and constitutionally grounded leadership, particularly during times of severe economic hardship, rising energy costs, and security challenges. He noted that President Tinubu's private dinner with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris may serve diplomatic purposes, but Nigeria itself cannot be placed on vacation. Atiku insisted that the Constitution provides a procedure for presidential succession, which must be obeyed.
Atiku's statement has sparked a renewed debate about the need for clear communication and adherence to constitutional procedures in the exercise of presidential authority. He argued that Nigeria is bigger than any President and that the country deserves better leadership. The situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of the current leadership and the need for urgent clarification on who is in charge of the country.
The development has also raised concerns about the potential implications for governance and stability in Nigeria. Atiku's call for clarity on presidential succession has been seen as a necessary step towards ensuring that the country is governed in accordance with the Constitution. The National Assembly and the Presidency have been urged to take immediate action to address the situation and provide Nigerians with the assurance that the country is being governed in a constitutional and orderly manner.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar questions President Tinubu's 21-day absence, citing constitutional concerns.
- The former Vice President urges the Presidency and National Assembly to respect constitutional procedures.
- The situation has raised concerns about governance, stability, and leadership in Nigeria.
