Presidency clears air on Tinubu, Shettima’s absence

The Presidency on Wednesday said there is no vacuum in leadership despite President Bola Tinubu and his vice, Atiku Abubakar out of the country.

The presidency clarified that the government remains fully functional, with no disruption to national affairs.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reassured Nigerians that the President and Vice President continued to actively manage the country’s affairs remotely.

The statement comes amidst concerns raised by journalists and political observers regarding the temporary absence of the nation’s top two leaders.

But reacting Onanuga said,
“President Tinubu left the country on October 3 for a two-week working vacation. Despite being away, he has been fully engaged, issuing directives and handling matters of state,” the statement read.

Tinubu is expected to return before the end of his vacation.

Similarly, Vice President Shettima is on an official visit to Sweden, advancing Nigeria’s interests in global engagements.

According to the statement, Shettima left Nigeria on Wednesday for his trip and remains in close communication with the government.

Onanuga stressed that all key government organs are operating smoothly, with the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, and service chiefs overseeing the day-to-day administration of the country.

“There is no vacuum in leadership. The state’s machinery is working as it should,” he said.

Citing historical precedents, the presidency referenced similar occurrences, including one in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were both out of the country on official duties, yet the government continued to function seamlessly.

Onanuga further highlighted that the Constitution did not mandate the physical presence of either the president or vice president within the country for their duties to be fulfilled, especially in an era where technology allows for remote governance.

The presidency reassured Nigerians that governance remains on course and fully operational during this period of international engagement.