Nigeria's opposition parties have expressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu's extended vacation, accusing him of breaching the Constitution. Tinubu recently extended his 21-day working vacation by one week and is currently in France. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have questioned the President's actions, citing Section 145 of the Constitution, which requires the President to transmit power to the Vice President when proceeding on vacation for over 21 days.
The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that Tinubu's continued absence while Vice-President Kashim Shettima is also outside Nigeria is a "dangerous disregard for the Constitution." The party demanded to know whether the required declaration was transmitted by the President and questioned the National Assembly's silence on the matter. The ADC also rejected the Presidency's explanation that the President was on a "working vacation" or that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would represent him at official events.
Governor Makinde, who is also the APM presidential candidate, faulted President Tinubu for not transmitting power to Vice President Kashim Shettima after extending his working vacation to Europe. Speaking in Katsina, Makinde cited Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation. Makinde expressed surprise that this provision was not being followed at the national level.
The opposition parties' concerns have sparked a national debate about the President's actions and the Constitution. The ADC described as a "national disgrace" the fact that President Emmanuel Macron of France is attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, while President Tinubu is vacationing in Paris. The party dismissed the Presidency's explanations as "an absurdity that raises more questions than it answers."
Vice-President Kashim Shettima is currently attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States. Meanwhile, President Tinubu's extended vacation has raised questions about the continuity of governance in Nigeria. The opposition parties' criticisms have highlighted the need for clarity on the President's actions and the Constitution.
Section 145 of the Constitution provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office. The opposition parties have argued that this provision is essential to ensure the smooth functioning of government.
The concerns raised by the opposition parties are likely to continue, with many Nigerians watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. The President's actions have sparked a national conversation about the importance of upholding the Constitution and ensuring the continuity of governance.
Key points
- President Tinubu's extended vacation has sparked constitutional concerns.
- Opposition parties have accused the President of breaching the Constitution.
- The situation has raised questions about the continuity of governance in Nigeria.
