The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has questioned the prolonged absence of President Bola Tinubu from Nigeria.
A statement through his media aide asked what the President is still doing in Paris, France upon the expiration of his official three-week vacation.
He said that French President Emmanuel Macronutrients attended France’s international engagements and returned home, yet Nigeria’s President remains in France while his country confronts serious security, economic and cost-of-living challenges.
He cited Section 145(2) of Nigeria’s Constitution as saying that if the President fails to transmit that declaration within 21 days, the National Assembly shall, by a simple majority of each House, mandate the Vice-President to perform the functions of President.
Atiku lamented that President Tinubu has now been away for 28 days, 7 days longer than 21 days.
“President Bola Tinubu left Nigeria on 30 August for what the Presidency described as a three-week annual vacation. That period expired days ago. His return was subsequently extended, and reports today indicate that his expected return today has been postponed yet again.
“The obvious question is: what exactly is keeping the President of Nigeria in Paris? So where is the letter? If it was transmitted, let the Presidency, Senate President or Speaker publish it.
“If no letter was transmitted, Nigerians deserve to know why the constitutional procedure has not been followed. We do not want to believe insinuations that the inner circle of Tinubu are scared of Shettima being handed the Acting President authority.
“Former President Muhammadu Buhari transferred presidential functions to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on five occasions occasions during his tenure, including through formal Section 145 communications to the National Assembly,” he said.
‘What exactly is Tinubu doing in France’ – Atiku questions President’s prolonged vacation