Abati Defends Tinubu's Vacation Against Atiku's Criticism

Reuben Abati, a former presidential aide and anchor at Arise Television, responded to Atiku Abubakar's criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's three-week vacation in Europe. Atiku had described Tinubu's absence as a disturbing vacuum of political leadership amid national hardships.

Abati contended that the Atiku camp's questions were embarrassing and lacked proper research. He stated that Tinubu was entitled to travel as long as his absence did not exceed the 21-day limit set by Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which would necessitate a formal transfer of power.

Abati noted that there was no evidence that Tinubu had handed over power during his absence. He also pointed out that the Vice President was not in the country at the same time, as he was in Angola.

Abati dismissed the notion that Tinubu's absence created a leadership vacuum, asserting that the constitution provides clear rules regarding when a formal handover is necessary.