Presidency Clarifies Leadership Structure Amidst Tinubu, Shettima’s Absence
Abuja, Nigeria – October 16, 2024
The Presidency has addressed concerns over a potential leadership vacuum due to President Bola Tinubu’s two-week working vacation and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s trip to Sweden for bilateral talks.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Nigeria’s constitution does not require the physical presence of the President or Vice President to fulfill their duties.
The statement emphasized that both leaders remain fully engaged with national affairs despite their absence. All state organs, including the Senate President, Secretary to the Government, Ministers, and Service Chiefs, are functioning as usual.
This clarification follows similar instances in 2022 when former President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo were simultaneously out of the country.
The Presidency reassured that the government’s machinery continues to operate smoothly, citing the constitution’s adaptability to the virtual age.
