“No one is in charge,” ADC questions absence of Tinubu and Shettima
The Nigerian opposition is questioning the functioning of the government during the simultaneous absence of Bola Tinubu, who is extending his stay in Europe, and Kashim Shettima, who has gone to New York for the UN General Assembly.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has extended his stay in Europe by a few days, as the opposition challenges the functioning of the government during the simultaneous absence of both the head of state and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned this as a “dangerous precedent” and is questioning who is exercising presidential authority in Nigeria.
ADC national spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi directly called into question the role of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, whom the presidency claims is continuing to represent the president at certain events. Appearing on Channels Television on Monday evening, he asked whether Akume should be considered acting president and asserted that “no one is in charge.”
The controversy hinges on Article 145 of the Nigerian Constitution. This provision states that a president going on vacation must submit a written declaration to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives so that the vice president can assume the role of acting president. If this declaration is not submitted within 21 days, the National Assembly can, by a simple majority vote in each chamber, authorize the vice president to perform these duties.
Earlier on Monday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had already called on the presidency to clarify whether Bola Tinubu had submitted this declaration before leaving Nigeria on August 30. He also urged the leaders of both chambers of Parliament to specify whether they had received such a document.
The presidency, for its part, asserts that Bola Tinubu continues to lead the affairs of the country from abroad. In a statement released on September 21, it indicated that he would return to Nigeria over the weekend after extending his “working vacation” by a few days. Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for London before traveling to Paris a week later.
Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York, where he is representing Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The presidency maintains that he has the mandate of the head of state and will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, while George Akume will continue to represent Tinubu at certain official engagements until the president’s announced return.
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