President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London and later travelled to Paris, France, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. According to the Presidency, Tinubu has remained in touch with developments at home and continued to direct the affairs of the country while away.
The President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the extension of Tinubu's vacation on Monday. Onanuga stated that Tinubu had ordered an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna, Niger State, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The panel's investigation is one of several directives Tinubu has issued while abroad.
While Tinubu has been away, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented him at some official functions. However, Shettima left Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly. According to the Presidency, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, will continue to represent Tinubu at official events.
The Presidency has described as "irresponsible" the "baseless insinuation" by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm over Tinubu's absence from the UN General Assembly. Atiku had questioned who is constitutionally exercising presidential authority in Nigeria following the expiration of Tinubu's three-week annual leave. Atiku 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.
Atiku argued that the expiration of Tinubu's 21-day leave raised a constitutional question over the exercise of presidential powers, particularly because Vice-President Kashim Shettima is also currently outside Nigeria representing the country at the UN General Assembly. Atiku asked Nigerians to question who is in charge of Nigeria, citing the need for clarity on the constitutional arrangements governing presidential authority.
The Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Abubakar Yari, has been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country. Meanwhile, Shettima will represent Tinubu at the UN General Assembly and present Nigeria's national statement. The Presidency has assured that Tinubu's absence has not affected the country's governance.
Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria at the weekend after the extended working vacation. The President's private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris was seen as a diplomatic engagement, but Atiku Abubakar argued that such engagements cannot substitute for clarity on the constitutional arrangements governing presidential authority.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu extends working vacation in Europe, expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
- Atiku Abubakar questions who is constitutionally exercising presidential authority in Nigeria following Tinubu's extended vacation.
- The Presidency describes as "irresponsible" the insinuation by Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying firm over Tinubu's absence from the UN General Assembly.
