The Presidency has dismissed concerns about a leadership gap due to the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria, reassuring citizens that both leaders remain actively engaged with national affairs.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, stressed that the President and Vice President are working remotely while overseas.
“It is important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country,” the statement read in part.
News Central reported that President Tinubu departed for the United Kingdom on October 2 for a working leave and later travelled to France for additional engagements.
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima is on a two-day diplomatic mission to Sweden, representing Nigeria in bilateral talks.
This is the second time both leaders have been abroad simultaneously since they assumed office.
Despite their absence, the Presidency affirmed that all key government institutions, including the Senate, Ministers, and Service Chiefs, continue to function seamlessly.
“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,” the statement further read.
Onanuga noted that the Nigerian Constitution does not require the constant physical presence of the President or Vice President in the country, emphasising that governance remains uninterrupted.
“The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil his duties,” it added.
He also cited similar instances during the Buhari administration when both the President and Vice President were concurrently away without disruption to government operations.