Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stepped into the political ring to defend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s extended working vacation in Europe, dismissing calls for a formal power handover and declaring that there is absolutely “no vacancy in Aso Rock”.
Speaking in Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio tackled growing public anxiety and opposition criticism surrounding the President’s prolonged stay abroad, which began in late August. Pushing back against claims that the simultaneous absence of both the President and Vice President Kashim Shettima has created a governance crisis, Akpabio insisted that modern technology makes physical presence in Villa secondary.
“I am the Senate President, and I am not the acting President of Nigeria, because President Tinubu is still in power,” Akpabio asserted, reminding critics that governance continues seamlessly regardless of geography. “The world is a global village, and one can give instructions over the internet. So, why are people complaining?”
To reinforce his point, Akpabio highlighted the President’s ongoing diplomatic engagements, including meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, as proof that official duties are moving forward without interruption. He added that only the Senate President holds the constitutional authority to declare a leadership vacancy, confirming that no such scenario exists today.
With the Presidency assuring citizens that President Tinubu will return to Abuja over the weekend, Akpabio’s firm backing serves as a direct rebuttal to opposition parties demanding power transfers under Section 145.
Do you agree with Akpabio that digital communication makes physical presence at Aso Rock unnecessary? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
