The Presidency has assured the public that there is no leadership vacuum in Nigeria, despite President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima being out of the country. This clarification comes in response to queries from journalists regarding who is currently overseeing national affairs.
In a statement released on October 16, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized that both leaders remain actively engaged in governance, even while abroad. "It is important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation's affairs, even while they are away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country," Onanuga stated.
President Tinubu, who left Nigeria on October 3 for a two-week working vacation, continues to manage national matters remotely, according to Onanuga. "During this time, he has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of state. He will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires," he added.
Vice President Shettima, who departed for Sweden on October 16 for an official visit, is also involved in ongoing state matters. Onanuga reassured citizens that essential government functions remain unaffected, with key officials such as the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, and service chiefs actively fulfilling their duties during the leaders' absence