The Presidency has named Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the Ministers as those overseeing the leadership of Nigeria during the absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Both the President and Vice President are currently abroad, but the Presidency insists that governance remains uninterrupted, and there is no leadership vacuum in the country.
The clarification comes amidst inquiries from journalists and concerned citizens about who is steering the affairs of the nation in their absence.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency pointed out that this situation is not unprecedented, recalling a similar instance during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“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,” the statement emphasized.
President Tinubu, who left Nigeria on October 3 for a two-week working vacation, and Vice President Shettima, who is currently on an official visit to Sweden, remain actively involved in the nation’s governance.
“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 added.
The Presidency also highlighted past instances, including when President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo were abroad simultaneously in 2022, as well as earlier this year when both Tinubu and Shettima were out of the country for various international engagements, yet government operations continued seamlessly.
“The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or vice president in the country at all times to fulfil their duties,” the statement concluded.