Presidency names those in charge of Nigeria as Tinubu, Shettima remain abroad

The Presidency has named the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, AGF George Akume and the Ministers as those in charge of the country’s leadership in the absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima

Newspot reports that both the President and Vice President are currently abroad and the presidency is insisting that leadership remains steady and there is no vacuum in the country.

There have been enquiries by journalists and well-meaning individuals as to who is in charge of the country in the absence of the first and second citizens.

The Presidency, in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, recalled a similar situation during the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the statement: “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.”

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Newspot reports that Tinubu left the country on October 3 and is on a two-week working vacation while the vice president departed the country Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit, working for Nigeria.

“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 said.

“We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were found to be simultaneously out of the country. President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth II.

“We have also experienced it during this administration. Between late April and early May this year, while President Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Vice President Shettima left Nigeria, first of all 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.

“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.”