Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected calls for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to hand over power to Vice President Kashim Shettima, insisting that there is no leadership vacuum in the country.
Akpabio spoke on Tuesday in Akwa Ibom State while commissioning road projects carried out by Governor Umo Eno. He said Tinubu’s three-week working holiday, which was extended by another week, has not stopped him from performing his constitutional duties.
“I am the Senate President, and I am not the acting President of Nigeria, because President Tinubu is still in power. He is on a working leave, and there is no absence in Aso Rock. The world is a global village, and one can give instructions over the internet. So, why are people complaining?” he retorted.
Akpabio said only his office can declare a presidential vacancy and stressed that no such situation exists.
“Right now, there is no vacancy. Asiwaju Tinubu is still in power, and he is still running the affairs of Nigeria,” he added.
He also pointed to Tinubu’s recent diplomatic contacts, including communications with French President Emmanuel Macron, as proof that the President remains engaged.
The Presidency has yet to announce a formal return date for Tinubu.
