Amid hardship in the country, Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, have left.
Tinubu first left the country to go to the UK. From there, he moved to France and went there on the grounds of an annual leave.
On Wednesday, his Vice, Shettima, who is supposed to be the acting commander-in-chief, also left the country amid Nigerians’ hardship cries.
However, despite concerns being raised by Nigerians regarding the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria, the presidency has said there is no leadership vacuum.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that both leaders remain actively engaged in the country’s governance despite their travel commitments.
According to him, President Tinubu, who departed on October 3 for a two-week working vacation, has been fully involved in state affairs.
Onanuga said he continues to issue directives and take essential calls while abroad and will return shortly before the vacation concludes.
Vice President Shettima is also on official duty. He will leave the country on Wednesday for Sweden, representing Nigeria on a state visit.
Onanuga emphasised that all government bodies remain fully functional, with senior officials, including the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, and service chiefs, maintaining their roles and ensuring smooth operations.
Drawing parallels to similar situations, he noted instances during the current and previous administrations where the president and vice president were simultaneously abroad, but governmental functions remained unaffected.
He said, “We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were found simultaneously out of the country. President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth ll.
“We have also experienced it during this administration. Between late April and early May this year, President Tinubu was in London after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum.
“Vice President Shettima left Nigeria for Nairobi to attend the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit. After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. President Tinubu returned home on 8 May. During this time, the government’s machinery did not halt.”
He reassured the public that the country remains in capable hands, even with its top leaders temporarily absent.
