No Leadership Vacuum, Presidency Assures

The Presidency has assured citizens that there is no gap in leadership while President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are traveling abroad.

This announcement comes in response to questions from journalists regarding the management of national issues during their absence.

On October 16, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that both leaders remain actively involved in governmental duties from abroad.

“It’s crucial to understand that the President and Vice President are still engaged with national affairs despite their travels. The country is not without leadership,” stated Onanuga.

President Tinubu, who has been out of the country since October 3, is on a two-week working vacation. Onanuga reassured that the President continues to manage national issues effectively during this time.

“Even while away, he has been in communication, managing state matters. He is expected to return before his vacation concludes,” he added.

Vice President Shettima is currently in Sweden for an official visit. During their absence, the government continues to operate normally, with essential officials, including the Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, and military leaders fulfilling their roles.

Onanuga referenced previous instances, such as when former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were both out of the country in 2022, as evidence that the government can function smoothly even when top officials are absent.

“President Buhari was at UNGA 77 while Osinbajo attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral,” said Onanuga, mentioning that a comparable situation also occurred recently under the current administration.