Akpabio breaks silence on Tinubu, Shettima’s absence

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed concerns over the simultaneous absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria, declaring that there is no vacancy in the Presidency.

Akpabio spoke on Tuesday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, as opposition figures questioned who is constitutionally exercising presidential powers. Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation in Europe, while Shettima is currently in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The Presidency has said Tinubu extended his stay and will return at the weekend, according to Daily Trust.

The ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the situation as a “dangerous disregard for the Constitution”, while AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore urged the National Assembly to invoke Section 145(2) and mandate Shettima to act as President.

However, Akpabio rejected the concerns, insisting Tinubu remains in charge of the country.

“I am not the acting president. Because the President is still in power,” he said, describing Tinubu’s absence as “working leave”.

Akpabio added that Tinubu could continue directing government affairs from abroad through modern technology.

“Right now, there is no vacancy. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is still in power, and he is still running the affairs of Nigeria,” he said.