'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Presidency has assured Nigerians that there is no leadership vacuum in the country, despite both President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima being out of the country on separate engagements.
This was made clear in a press statement issued on October 16, 2024, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, addressing concerns from journalists and citizens about the current state of national leadership.
According to the statement, President Tinubu is currently on a two-week working vacation that began on October 3, 2024. Despite being away, the President remains actively engaged in national affairs, responding to phone calls and issuing directives as necessary. He is expected to return before the vacation officially concludes.
In a similar vein, Vice President Shettima departed the country on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, for an official visit to Sweden, where he is working on matters concerning Nigeria. The statement emphasizes that, even while abroad, both leaders continue to oversee the smooth running of the government.
The Presidency noted that all state organs are functioning normally, with key officials such as the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs in their respective positions. This structure ensures that the government’s operations remain uninterrupted.
Recalling past instances, the statement referenced similar situations, including in 2022 when former President Muhammadu Buhari and then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were simultaneously out of the country. During that time, President Buhari attended the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), while Osinbajo was in the United Kingdom for the burial of Queen Elizabeth II. Despite their absence, the nation's affairs were managed efficiently.
Further drawing from recent history, the statement mentioned that between late April and early May 2024, both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were out of the country for official engagements, yet the machinery of government remained operational.
Addressing the question of leadership in the modern era, Onanuga highlighted that Nigeria’s Constitution does not explicitly mandate the physical presence of either the president or vice president in the country at all times. He stressed that the adaptability afforded by modern communication and governance tools allows leaders to effectively perform their duties from anywhere in the world.
The Presidency’s assurance comes at a time when concerns about governance have surfaced due to the simultaneous absence of both the president and his deputy, though the clarification aims to allay any fears of a power vacuum.