Phrank Shaibu, the special assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has openly criticized the presidency's assertion regarding the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. In his remarks, Shaibu expressed skepticism about the government's claim that there is no leadership vacuum despite both leaders being out of the country at the same time.
According to various reports, the Presidency issued a clarification stating that the nation remains under leadership despite the absence of the two highest-ranking officials. In response to inquiries from journalists about who is currently in charge during this unusual situation, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stressed that President Tinubu continues to fulfill his duties while on vacation, thus implying continuity in governance.
Onanuga also provided an update on the expected timeline for Tinubu’s return, stating that the President is anticipated to be back in the country shortly before his vacation concludes. He elaborated in the statement: “Following enquiries by journalists as to who is in charge of our country as the President and Vice President are out of the country, we want to clarify:
“1. 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.
“2. President Tinubu left the country on 3 October and is on a two-week working vacation. 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.
“3. The vice president departed the country Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit, working for Nigeria.
“4. All state organs are functioning as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.”
In a pointed reaction to the presidency's statement, Phrank Shaibu took to social media platform X, questioning the rationale behind the public's concern over the absence of Tinubu and Shettima. He emphasized that Nigeria has been effectively running itself since the two leaders assumed power. Shaibu remarked, “The presidency is absolutely right! The president and his vice can be totally missing in action, after all, Tinubu is busy savouring wine in France and Shettima is off sightseeing in Sweden. Why would we worry? Nigeria has been practically running itself since they came to power.”