The Presidency has dismissed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged stay outside Nigeria, insisting that he remains in charge of the country and continues to perform his official duties.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu was “hale and hearty” and had continued working while on his annual vacation in Europe.
Onanuga argued that the President does not need to be physically present in Abuja to discharge his responsibilities, given the use of modern communication technology.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation, initially expected to last three weeks. The State House later announced that he had extended the trip by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
The President was not physically present at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Instead, Vice President Kashim Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation and delivered the country’s national statement.
The Presidency said Tinubu remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while abroad. It also pointed to meetings the President held with officials and investors during his stay in France as evidence of his continued engagement.
The President’s absence has, however, generated a constitutional debate, particularly because Shettima was also outside Nigeria attending the UN General Assembly.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other critics have questioned whether the procedure under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution was followed regarding the transfer of presidential functions during Tinubu’s absence.
The Presidency has maintained that there has been no disruption in governance and that Tinubu remains in control of the administration despite his temporary absence from the country.
