- Nigerians have reacted to the simultaneous absence of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the second time in 17 months
- Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga emphasised that the absence of the top leaders does not leave a leadership gap in the country
- TheRadar compiled reactions from the public including the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi
Nigerians have reacted over the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, marking the second time both leaders have been simultaneously out of the country since taking office 17 months ago.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 16, the Presidency assured that the absence of the President and Vice President does not result in any leadership gap for the country.
No leadership vacuum as Tinubu, Shettima leaves the country, Onanuga
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, expressed this in a statement he signed, titled, “There is no vacuum in leadership as the President and VP are out of the country.”
Tinubu left for the United Kingdom on October 2, 2024, to commence a two-week working leave, subsequently departing for France on Friday, October 11, for another engagement.
Relatedly, Shettima travelled from Abuja on Wednesday, October 16 to Sweden for a two-day visit, where he is set to engage in bilateral discussions on behalf of Nigeria.
Following this, Nigerians have reacted to the principal leaders absent in the country.
Peter Obi criticises Tinubu, Shettima’s foreign travels
Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, referred to the foreign travels of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as an act of fiscal responsibility.
He questioned the appropriateness of these trips, given Nigeria's pressing challenges. He said, “While it is arguable that with the President and Vice President absent from the Villa, there is no vacancy in the Presidency, in a situation where both the President and Vice President are out of the country, as reported in the media, it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.”
Peter Obi further said, “The untold hardship that has been unleashed on our people as a result of some of his administration’s policies is unimaginable and we need his urgent attention to pilot the nation out of this present situation.
“This is the time to show true and committed leadership to the people by making decisions that prioritise the well-being of the people and effective management of the nation’s scarce resources in alleviating the sufferings of the people,” Peter Obi stated.
Nigerians react to absence of the President and the Vice-president
TheRadar compiled the varied reactions from the public below:
“This is not about partisanship. This is about basic decency and responsibility. It's about recognizing that leadership is a privilege, not a right. And it's about understanding that with that privilege comes the obligation to put the needs of the nation and its people above all else,” Uche Okoro stated.
“I mean, what difference would it make? Even when they’re both around. It wasn’t as if Nigerians felt any form of relief,” Oluwafemi reacted.
“Why will both of them be out of the country at this time,” Enoruyi Osawaru added.
“We don't even feel their impact even if they are country they can go,” Precious stated.
“Their presence already created enough vacuum,” Ceejay stated.
“Who even notice them??” Rahmat reacted.
“There presence has not made any difference. Maybe their absence will! 🤡🤡🤡,” Dr Kelvin Alaneme stated.
Reps push for establishment of Bola Tinubu University
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and eight other lawmakers passed a bill seeking to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages.
The institution aims to promote the learning and development of Nigerian languages and cultures according to reports.