No leadership vacuum despite Tinubu, Shettima’s absence — Presidency

The Presidency has clarified that there is no leadership vacuum in Nigeria despite President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima being out of the country.

The This was in response to concerns raised by journalists about who is currently in charge of national affairs.

In a statement released on Wednesday, October 16, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, assured Nigerians that the President and Vice President remain fully engaged in governing the country even while abroad.

“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, who left the country on October 3, is currently on a two-week working vacation. Onanuga emphasized that Tinubu continues to oversee national matters during this period.

“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,” Onanuga added.

He also explained that Vice President Shettima departed for Sweden on Wednesday for an official visit. In their absence, state organs continue to function as expected, with key government officials like the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, and service chiefs all carrying out their responsibilities.

Onanuga drew parallels to similar situations in the past, referencing when former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were both out of the country at the same time in 2022.

“President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth II,” Onanuga noted, adding that a similar occurrence took place between late April and early May of this year under the current administration.