The Presidency has assured the nation that the absence of President Bola Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima does not constitute a leadership vacuum.
Tinubu embarked on a two-week working leave on October 2, 2024, while Shettima departed for Sweden on Wednesday for a two-day visit to engage in bilateral discussions.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, revealed that both leaders remain fully engaged with national affairs despite being abroad.
Onanuga also stressed that all state organs continue to function normally.
Part of the statement read:
“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.”
READ ALSO: ‘Tinubu Takes Brand New Jet To China To Borrow Money’ – Deji Adeyanju
It insisted that the President, who is currently on a working vacation, has been actively managing state matters remotely and is expected to return before his leave concludes.
Onanuga reassured that the Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in place, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.
He drew parallels to a similar situation in 2022 when former President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were both out of the country, yet the government continued to function seamlessly.
The statement also referenced earlier instances during the current administration when both leaders were abroad, and the government’s machinery remained unaffected.
Onanuga concluded:
“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 their duties.”
