Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has sparked intense debate after calling out the National Assembly over President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged 21-day absence from the country. With both President Tinubu on an extended working vacation in Europe and Vice President Kashim Shettima attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sowore is demanding immediate constitutional intervention.
Taking to social media, the African Action Congress (AAC) leader asked the burning question on the minds of many Nigerians: “Who is in charge of Nigeria at the moment?” Sowore emphasized that after 21 days without a formal handover transmission sent to the National Assembly, lawmakers must act under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution to officially authorize Vice President Shettima to step in as Acting President.
According to Section 145(2), if the President fails to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House within 21 days of being away on vacation, the National Assembly has the mandate to pass a resolution empowering the Vice President to perform executive functions. Sowore argues that leaving the nation’s highest office unattended while both top officials are out of the country undermines constitutional democracy.
While the Presidency maintains that government machinery continues to run smoothly and that Vice President Shettima holds full authority representing the nation abroad, critics argue that governance cannot be operated by proxy without strict constitutional adherence.
Should the National Assembly step in and officially invoke Section 145, or is this just another routine political debate? Share your thoughts in the comments!
