Tinubu, Shettima’s Absence: No Leadership Vacuum – Presidency

The Presidency on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 declared that the absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima will not in any way create leadership vacuum in the country.

It clearly said that both the president and his deputy do not necessarily need to be physically present to discharge their constitutional duties, stressing that the absence of the two had of government does not in any way amount to an unconstitutional act or a vacuum in the leadership of the country.

These were contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, in which he said that the Constitution which is a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, did not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil their duties.

Onanuga explained that the clarification became necessary following enquiries from reporters, adding that it was important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away.

In the words of Onanuga; “There is no leadership vacuum in the country. Even on vacation, President Tinubu has been giving directives on matters of state as he has been accessible and reachable every minute”.
Onanuga noted that this was not the first time Nigeria will find itself in this kind of situation, saying that that it has happened in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him; “All state organs are functioning as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.

“We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were found to be simultaneously out of the country. President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth ll.

“We have also experienced it during this administration. Between late April and early May this year, while President Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Vice President Shettima left Nigeria, first of all for Nairobi to attend the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit.

“After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. President Tinubu returned home on 8 May. During this time, the government’s machinery did not halt,” he said.

President Tinubu left the country and is on a two-week working vacation and when Nigerians were expecting him to return home, news hit the public space that Vice President Shettima was leaving the country for Sweden for a bilateral meeting.

The statement announcing that Shettima was embarking on foreign travel, left many Nigerians wondering if there would be no leadership vacuum as none of the two leaders and heads of the execute arm of government were present.