The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has addressed growing concerns about leadership during the simultaneous absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from the country. In a press statement released via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Onanuga reassured Nigerians that there is no vacuum in governance, even while both leaders are out of the country.
Full Engagement Despite Absence
Onanuga clarified that both the President and Vice President remain fully engaged with national affairs, regardless of their physical locations. President Tinubu, who left the country on October 3 for a two-week working vacation, has continued to oversee state matters, issuing directives and maintaining communicationwith key officials.
“President Tinubu is on a working vacation, yet he has been busy answering calls and issuing directives on state matters. He will return to the country before the vacation officially concludes,” Onanuga stated.
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima departed Nigeria on Wednesday for an official visit to Sweden, where he continues to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.
Onanuga emphasized that all state organs are functioning as usual, underlining that there is no disruption in governance. “The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all at their posts, ensuring the smooth operation of government affairs,” he assured.
The statement highlighted previous instances of both the President and Vice President being out of the country simultaneously, citing a similar situation in 2022 when then-President Muhammadu Buhari attended the UNGA 77 while Vice President Yemi Osinbajo attended the burial of Queen Elizabeth II.
“This is not unprecedented,” Onanuga noted. “In this administration, between late April and early May, both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were abroad on official engagements, yet the government continued to function seamlessly.”
Onanuga also pointed out that modern technology enables leaders to govern effectively from any location, making physical presence less critical. “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 their duties,” he added.
This statement serves to assure the public that despite the President and Vice President being out of the country on official duties, Nigeria remains under stable and continuous leadership, with all government operations running smoothly.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy
PIONEER NEWS 