President Bola Tinubu has postponed his return to Nigeria again after a last-minute change to his travel plans. The president was expected back this weekend. However, he may now arrive on Tuesday.
The presidency has not disclosed why Tinubu changed his travel plans. His prolonged stay abroad has already attracted public attention. Some Nigerians have also raised concerns over his continued absence from the country.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London as part of his annual leave. He later travelled to Paris, France, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The presidency had earlier said he would return during the weekend. He was expected to land in Lagos before travelling to Abuja after about a week.
Meanwhile, Vice-President Kashim Shettima has handled some official duties during Tinubu’s absence. He also travelled to New York to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Tinubu’s extended absence has also renewed questions about presidential powers during prolonged trips abroad.
Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution addresses the issue. It says the president should transmit a written declaration before proceeding on vacation. The vice-president then performs the president’s functions in an acting capacity. However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said there is no vacancy in Aso Rock. He maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of the country’s affairs despite his absence.
