Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s extended absence from Nigeria.
After the President’s official three-week vacation ended, a statement from his media assistant questioned what the President was still doing in Paris, France.
He claimed that while Nigeria’s president stays in France despite his nation facing severe security, economic, and cost-of-living issues, French President Emmanuel Macronutrient attended France’s international engagements and returned home.
He referenced Section 145(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, which states that the National Assembly may designate the Vice-President to carry out the President’s duties by a simple majority of each House if the President does not send that declaration within 21 days.
President Tinubu has now been absent for 28 days, which is seven days longer than 21 days, according to Atiku.
On August 30, President Bola Tinubu departed Nigeria for an annual three-week vacation, according to the presidency. That time frame ended a few days ago. His anticipated return today has reportedly been postponed once more. His return was later extended.
“The obvious question is: What specifically is keeping Nigeria’s president in Paris? Where is the letter, then? Let the Speaker, Senate President, or President publish it if it was communicated.
Nigerians should be informed as to why the constitutional process was not followed if no letter was sent. We don’t want to believe rumours that Tinubu’s inner circle is afraid of Shettima taking over as Acting President.
“On five occasions during his tenure, former President Muhammadu Buhari transferred presidential functions to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, including through formal Section 145 communications to the National Assembly,” he stated.