“Who is in charge of government at this point” – Atiku quizzes Tinubu, Shettima absence

Nigeria finds itself in an unprecedented situation as both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are absent from the country simultaneously, sparking widespread concerns and speculations about the current leadership vacuum.

The absence of both the president and vice president, especially during a time when the nation is grappling with significant challenges, has raised questions about who is currently in charge of the government’s affairs.

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, took to X to express his concerns, stating,

It is unprecedented that the two leaders will be absent from the country simultaneously, especially now that the nation faces daunting challenges. The question that readily comes to mind is, who is in charge of government now, or is it right to assume that we are on autopilot?

The absence of President Tinubu, who has been away from Nigeria since departing for the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia on April 23, has fueled speculation about his whereabouts and intentions.

Despite the forum’s conclusion on April 29, Tinubu’s return to Nigeria remains uncertain, leaving many puzzled.

The World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia focused on global collaboration, growth, and energy for development, bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors to address pressing global challenges.

However, Tinubu’s prolonged absence has left a void in Nigeria’s leadership, prompting concerns about the continuity and effectiveness of governance in his absence.

Adding to the concerns, Vice President Shettima has also left Abuja for Dallas, United States, to represent President Tinubu at the 16th US-Africa Business Summit, scheduled from May 6 to May 9, 2024.

While the summit aims to foster economic partnerships between the United States and African countries, Shettima’s absence further exacerbates the leadership vacuum within Nigeria’s government.

Efforts to ascertain the timeline of President Tinubu’s return and the arrangements for the interim leadership during his absence have been uncertain, leaving citizens anxious about the direction of the nation’s governance.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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