Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed concerns over President Bola Tinubu's extended stay abroad, stating that there is no leadership vacuum in Nigeria. Speaking in Akwa Ibom State while commissioning road projects, Akpabio said Tinubu remains firmly in charge of the nation's affairs despite his ongoing working vacation in Europe. He emphasized that modern communication technology allows the president to direct government business from outside the country.
Akpabio's comments come amid renewed public debate over Tinubu's absence and calls for him to hand over power to Vice President Kashim Shettima. However, Akpabio insisted that Tinubu has not ceased to exercise presidential authority. He cited the president's continuing diplomatic engagements, including a recent communication with French President Emmanuel Macron, as evidence of Tinubu's continued activity in discharging his responsibilities.
The Senate President further maintained that there is no constitutional vacuum requiring him or any other official to assume presidential powers. He emphasized that Tinubu is still in power and running the affairs of Nigeria. Akpabio's stance contrasts with that of the African Democratic Congress, which has argued that the president's and vice-president's simultaneous absence violates constitutional provisions.
The Presidency has announced that Tinubu's three-week working vacation, which began on August 30, has been extended by a few days. The president is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. According to the presidency, Tinubu has remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.
During his absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented Tinubu at several official functions. Shettima left Abuja on Sunday for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The presidency has stated that Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, will continue to represent the president at official functions while Shettima is away.
Not everyone agrees with Akpabio's assessment. A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has described Tinubu's extended holiday as an unacceptable abdication of his mandate. The party faction has called for the president to take responsibility and address the nation.
The Obidient Movement, a group supporting former President Muhammadu Buhari's predecessor, has also weighed in on the issue. They have insisted that Tinubu must tell Nigerians why he is avoiding the US, adding to the growing debate over the president's prolonged absence from the country.
Key points
- President Tinubu remains in charge despite his extended vacation in Europe.
- Akpabio and the presidency have downplayed concerns over a leadership vacuum.
- Some opposition groups have criticized Tinubu's prolonged absence, calling it an abdication of his mandate.
