In response to concerns over the simultaneous absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria, the Presidency has firmly stated that there is no leadership vacuum.
This reassurance comes amidst public speculation over the temporary absence of both leaders.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued a statement late Wednesday clarifying that President Tinubu, who embarked on a two-week working vacation on October 3, continues to oversee state affairs from abroad.
“He remains actively involved, issuing directives and making important calls while abroad,” Onanuga confirmed, adding that the president will return shortly before his vacation concludes.
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima is currently on an official assignment in Sweden, representing Nigeria on a state visit. Despite their travels, Onanuga emphasised that governance continues smoothly, with senior officials ensuring that all government functions remain operational.
“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 the smooth operation of government,” he said.
Drawing parallels to similar situations in previous administrations, Onanuga pointed out that there have been multiple instances where both the president and vice president were out of the country, yet governance was uninterrupted.
“We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were both out of the country. Buhari was attending UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in Queen Elizabeth II’s burial,” he explained.
He further recalled an instance earlier this year during this administration when President Tinubu was in London after visits to the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia for the World Economic Forum, while Vice President Shettima was on official duties in Nairobi and later Dallas, Texas, for the US-Africa Business Summit. During this period, the government’s operations remained intact.
Onanuga also noted that the Nigerian Constitution does not mandate the physical presence of the president or vice president for governance to continue, particularly in the modern era of virtual engagements.
Reassuring the public, Onanuga concluded, “The country remains in capable hands, and there is no cause for concern despite the temporary absence of its top leaders.”
