Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s continued absence from Nigeria, insisting that there is “no vacancy” in Aso Rock.
Akpabio spoke on Tuesday in Akwa Ibom State while inaugurating road projects executed by Governor Umo Eno.
The Senate President said Tinubu remains in charge of the country despite being abroad on what he described as a working leave.
“I am not the acting president, because the president is still in power. The president is on a working leave. So, there’s no absence in Aso Rock,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio argued that Tinubu could continue to direct government affairs from outside the country through modern communication technology.
“What he cannot do here, he is doing abroad. The world has become a global village; you can give instructions from the internet about anything, so why are people complaining?” he said.
Akpabio cites Tinubu’s foreign engagements
The Senate President also pointed to Tinubu’s recent diplomatic engagements, including his interaction with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“The other day, he was with President Macron on a state visit, discussing bilateral to bring things back to Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
He also addressed Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Akpabio noted that Vice-President Kashim Shettima had been mandated to represent Nigeria at the global gathering.
“And then, because he could not make it to UNGA, the United Nations General Assembly, his vice-president went,” he said.
The Federal Government has confirmed that Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA and will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level engagements.
‘There is no vacancy’
Akpabio maintained that there had been no transfer of presidential powers and rejected suggestions that his position as Senate President meant he was acting as President.
“There’s no vacancy; people who are talking are just talking. I’m the only person as chairman of national assembly that can speak the voice of national assembly and say there is vacancy and there will be vacancy,” he said.
“Right now, there is no vacancy. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is still in power and is still running the affairs of Nigeria.”
His comments came amid public debate over Tinubu’s prolonged stay abroad and the simultaneous absence of the President and Vice-President from Nigeria, with Shettima attending the UNGA in New York.
Akpabio also mocked those questioning the situation, saying: “The people who are complaining are like people who are drinking water and say give me toothpick, the water is all for my teeth. They don’t know what to say.”
The Presidency has said Tinubu remains engaged in government business while abroad, while Akpabio has now publicly rejected suggestions of a leadership vacuum.
