Tinubu, Shettima’s absence won’t create vacuum in government – Presidency

The presidency said on Wednesday the absence of President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima would not create a leadership vacuum in the country.

President Tinubu left the country for a two-week vacation in the United Kingdom on October 3.

He also made a brief visit to France last week.

Shettima on his part left Abuja for Sweden on a two-day visit on Wednesday.

During his stay in the Nordic nation, the Vice President will hold bilateral talks with the Swedish Crown Princess and the country’s Prime Minister, Mr. Tage Erlander.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, said the two leaders are fully engaged in the country’s affairs, even while they are away.

The statement read: “There is no leadership vacuum in the country.

“President Tinubu left the country on October 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.

READ ALSO: Shettima travels to Sweden for meeting with Crown Princess, PM

“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.

“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 organized 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 fulfill his duties.”

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