President Tinubu Extends European Vacation, Raises Concerns

President Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe, initially expected to return the previous weekend. However, on September 23, the Presidency announced that he would extend his stay by one week.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that Tinubu would return over the weekend, but did not provide reasons for the extension. This situation has raised concerns regarding the constitutional requirement for the president to transmit a written declaration to the National Assembly if he is unable to perform his duties for more than 21 days.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has been representing Tinubu during his absence. Attempts to confirm whether Tinubu transmitted the necessary letter to the National Assembly were unsuccessful, as the Assembly is currently in recess, and the Senate spokesperson did not respond to inquiries.

The constitutional provision mandates that the Vice-President assumes the role of Acting President if such a declaration is not made.