Even While Abroad, Tinubu, Shettima Remains Active, Says Bayo Onanuga 

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed concerns about a leadership vacuum following the simultaneous absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima from Nigeria stating that they are actively engaged. 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News, gathered that Onanuga, issued a statement on during the week, reassuring the public that governance remains unaffected.

He explained that President Tinubu, currently on a two-week working vacation abroad, continues to oversee affairs remotely.

“Even while abroad, the President remains actively engaged, giving directives and making crucial decisions,” Onanuga said, adding that Tinubu will return before the end of his vacation.

Also, the Vice President, Shettima, meanwhile, is in Sweden on an official State visit, representing Nigeria. 

Onanuga emphasized that despite their travels, the Government remains fully functional, with senior officials, including the Senate President, Ministers, and Service Chiefs, ensuring continuity.  

OTN News recalls, drawing parallels to past scenarios, Onanuga reminded the public that similar instances occurred under previous administrations. 

He cited 2022, when both President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo were abroad, Buhari at the UN General Assembly and Osinbajo attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, without disrupting governance.  

Additionally, Onanuga also referenced an earlier episode during the Tinubu administration when the President traveled to Europe and Saudi Arabia, while Shettima attended engagements in Nairobi and Dallas, noting that Government operations continued smoothly during their absence.  

“The country is in capable hands, and there is no reason for concern,” Onanuga assured, affirming that the Government remains stable despite the temporary absence of its top leaders.

He however, highlighted that the Nigerian Constitution does not require the physical presence of the president or vice president for governance, especially with the availability of virtual communication.