Akpabio Says “There Is No Vacancy in Aso Rock” as Tinubu’s Working Vacation Is Extended

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s continued absence from Nigeria, insisting that there is no leadership vacuum at the presidency. Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday, September 22, in Akwa Ibom State while commissioning road projects executed by Governor Umo Eno. His comments came amid renewed debate over Tinubu’s extended stay abroad and calls for Vice President Kashim Shettima to formally assume presidential duties. Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency described as a working vacation. After spending time in London, he travelled to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron. On September 21, the Presidency announced that his vacation had been extended by a few days, with his return expected at the weekend. Akpabio said Tinubu remained in power and continued to direct the affairs of the country despite being abroad. He also rejected the suggestion that he was acting president, saying the President could continue giving instructions remotely. The debate has also raised constitutional questions. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cited Section 145 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office. The Presidency, however, maintains that Tinubu has remained in contact with officials and has continued directing government affairs while abroad. It cited, among other actions, his directive for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna. Meanwhile, Shettima left Nigeria on September 20 for New York to represent the country at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The issue remains a subject of public and political debate, with different political actors offering differing interpretations of the constitutional implications of the President and Vice President being outside the country at the same time. Source: GistReel, with additional reporting from the State House, Vanguard, Punch and TheCable.