*Opposition asks Presidency to clarify President’s whereabouts, exercise of executive authority
By Augustine Aminu
President Bola Tinubu’s extended stay outside Nigeria has triggered fresh political questions, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council demanding greater transparency from the Presidency over his whereabouts and the exercise of presidential authority.
The ADC PCC said on Sunday that Nigerians deserved a clear explanation after Tinubu remained abroad beyond the three-week working vacation initially announced by the Presidency.
Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for Europe, with London as his first destination. The State House subsequently said he travelled to Paris, where he held engagements, including meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
On September 21, the Presidency announced that Tinubu had extended his working vacation “by a few days” and was expected to return at the weekend.
However, with the President yet to return as of Sunday, September 27, the ADC said the situation had generated legitimate public questions, particularly over how executive authority was being exercised in his absence.
The opposition campaign council maintained that the Presidency had a responsibility to keep Nigerians informed about matters concerning the office of the President.
“The Presidency owes Nigerians a clear and transparent explanation,” the ADC said.
The council argued that the controversy went beyond Tinubu’s travel itinerary, saying Nigerians were entitled to understand the constitutional arrangements governing the country during his continued absence.
According to the ADC, uncertainty at the highest level of government could heighten public concern at a time when the country is confronting economic pressures, cost-of-living challenges and persistent security threats.
ADC Queries Akume’s Role
The council also raised questions over the Presidency’s announcement that Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, would continue to represent Tinubu at some official functions.
It argued that representation at public events was different from the constitutional exercise of presidential powers and demanded clarification on who was formally exercising executive authority.
“Nigerians deserve openness, not secrecy,” the council said, insisting that issues surrounding presidential authority were matters of public interest rather than private convenience.
The ADC consequently called on the Presidency to disclose Tinubu’s current location, explain the circumstances surrounding the extension of his vacation and clarify the constitutional arrangements in place during his absence.
Presidency Says Tinubu Remains in Charge
The Presidency had, however, said in its September 21 statement that Tinubu remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct affairs of state during his working vacation.
It cited his directive for an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State while in NSCDC custody as one example of presidential action taken while abroad.
The State House also said Vice President Kashim Shettima had been delegated to represent Tinubu at some official engagements, including the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, while Akume would represent the President at other functions.
As questions over the President’s extended stay continue, the ADC said a comprehensive official explanation would help address public concerns and prevent speculation over the functioning of the Presidency.