With the absence of President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, from the country, the Nigerian Presidency insists there is no vacuum in governance.
Tinubu had travelled to the United Kingdom on October 3 in what the Presidency had said was a two-week working vacation without transmitting powers to his vice.
On Wednesday, October 16, it was also announced that Shettima had jetted out to Sweden, which made many Nigerians question why both the President and the Vice President should be absent from the country at the same time.
But in a statement by Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency sought to clarify the position, stating that there was no need to panic as governance was still running smoothly despite the absence of the duo.
“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,” Onanuga said.
“President Tinubu left the country on Oct. 3 and is on a two-week working vacation. During this time, he has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of state.
“He will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires.”
He also explained that the vice president departed the country Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit, and all state organs were 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.
“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 ll,” he noted.