The Presidency has assured the public that there is no leadership vacuum in Nigeria despite the simultaneous absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
President Tinubu has been on a two-week working leave since October 2, 2024, while Shettima is currently representing Nigeria in Sweden for bilateral engagements.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, it was emphasized that both leaders remain engaged with national affairs during their time away. Onanuga stated, “There is no leadership vacuum in the country. The President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away.”
The statement highlighted that President Tinubu has been actively communicating and issuing directives on state matters, and he is expected to return before his vacation officially concludes. Meanwhile, Shettima’s trip to Sweden is part of his official duties, further underscoring the government’s ongoing operations.
Onanuga reassured that all state organs are functioning normally, with key officials including the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs performing their roles effectively. He also referenced similar situations in the past, noting that the government continued to operate smoothly during previous instances when both the president and vice president were out of the country.
The statement concluded by reminding citizens that the Constitution does not mandate the physical presence of the President or Vice President at all times to fulfill their responsibilities, underscoring the adaptability of the government in the digital age.
