By Kolawole Ojebisi
A former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has said the prevailing situation in the country whereby President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President, Kassim Shettima are are simultaneously outside the shores of Nigeria for different reasons is “less than ideal”.
Alande expressed concern over the decision to leave the levers of governance unmanned by the top two citizens. He hinted at the fact that there could be more to the development than meets the eye.
Akande wondered why the decision to send the Vice President outside the country as well on official trip.
Alande expressed his concern while speaking on Sunrise Daily on Channels TV on Thursday.
He emphasized the importance of having at least one of the two leaders present to maintain effective governance and communication.
Reflecting on his experience during the previous administration, Akande stated, “I think the ideal thing is for us not to have a situation where both the president and vice president are not in town. During my eight years of service, it happened only once—during the burial of the Queen of England and the United Nations General Assembly. The president and vice president maintained regular communication, ensuring that someone was always available to address any urgent matters.”
While analysizing Bayo Onanuga’s statement in defence of the situation, Akande said, *This is the second time this has occurred under President Tinubu, as mentioned by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga,”
Akande said: “This situation is not ideal, and it highlights a potential issue of sustained trust in the relationship between the president and vice president over time.”
Akande noted that, unlike the current scenario, the previous administration managed to keep one leader in the country at all times. He recalled instances where former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had to conclude foreign trips abruptly to return home when pressing issues arose.
He further acknowledged the precedent set by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who delegated authority to his deputy during his travels.
Akande urged the current administration to prioritize this ideal scenario, stating, “You have a president and vice president; let us have a situation where at least one of them is on ground.”
President Tinubu is currently on a working vacation outside Nigeria while Vice President Shettima travelled to Sweden on an official visit on Wednesday.
The absence of the two topmost citizens from the country at a time the country is facing severe economic challenges has raised concerns among some Nigerians.
In reaction, Mr Tinubu’s spokesperson, Onanuga, said there is “no leadership vacuum in the country.” adding that the president has been in charge of business of governance and issuing directives even in a far away foreign shores.
