JUST IN: Presidency Reacts to the Absence of President Tinubu, VP Shettima

The Presidency has assured Nigerians that the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima from the country will not lead to any leadership vacuum.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized that their physical presence in the country is not necessary for them to fulfill their constitutional duties.

Onanuga clarified, “The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the president or vice president to be physically present at all times in Nigeria to execute their responsibilities.”

His statement followed concerns raised by the public and media about the simultaneous absence of the nation’s top two leaders. He assured that both Tinubu and Shettima remain fully engaged with national affairs despite being out of the country. “There is no leadership vacuum,” Onanuga stated, noting that President Tinubu has remained actively involved, issuing directives and handling matters of state remotely during his two-week working vacation.

Vice-President Shettima, Onanuga added, has also left Nigeria for an official visit to Sweden, where he continues working for the nation’s interests.

“All state organs are operating as usual,” Onanuga said, highlighting that the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are fully performing their roles, ensuring the smooth functioning of government operations.

Referencing previous instances, Onanuga pointed to similar situations in the past, such as in 2022 when former President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo were both out of the country simultaneously for international engagements. He also recalled an instance earlier this year when Tinubu and Shettima were away for official visits, yet the government’s machinery remained uninterrupted.

President Tinubu is expected to return before his vacation concludes, ensuring continuity in leadership and governance.