- Safiu Kehinde
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has allayed concern over the absence of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, from the country.
Reacting to concerns over the absence of the national leaders from the country, Onanuga, in a statement issued on Wednesday, claimed the President and Vice President are engaged with the nation’s affair.
Onanuga, however, maintained that their absence leaves no vacuum in the country’s administration as all governmental bodies are fully functional.
He disclosed that the President has been in touch with country and issuing directives.
“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.
“President Tinubu left the country on 3 October 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.
“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.” Onanuga wrote.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson claimed that the country once had similar situation during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration when the former President went for the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 with his Vice, Osinbajo went for Queen Elizabeth’s burial in the United Kingdom.
He also disclosed that Tinubu and Shettima had once left the country for national assignment which does not affect their constitutional duty.
“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.
“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.” Onanuga added.