Last week, President Bola Tinubu embarked on a two-week annual vacation to the United Kingdom, with his media office stating that he would continue to “work” from there. However, this trip has raised concerns, as it violates Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates the president to inform the Senate and House of Representatives through a formal letter when he goes on vacation, transferring presidential powers to the Vice President to act in his stead.
Furthermore, Section 145(2) provides that if the president fails to transmit such a letter within 21 days, the National Assembly can pass a resolution by simple majority, enabling the Vice President to assume the role of Acting President until the president resumes. This provision was introduced to avoid past complications experienced during the medical incapacitations of former Presidents Umar Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari.
President Tinubu’s decision to ignore this constitutional requirement raises suspicions of political maneuvering, especially given the historical precedence where former President Buhari’s absence allowed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to make significant decisions that diverged from Buhari’s preferences, such as the appointment of Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The apparent lack of public outrage or legislative action over Tinubu’s failure to comply with the Constitution marks a troubling shift. In previous cases involving Presidents Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Buhari, such breaches triggered public and political outcry. Now, there seems to be a growing acceptance of the disregard for constitutional mandates, which could signify a creeping erosion of democratic safeguards.
This indifference may allow leaders to continue operating with minimal accountability, perpetuating nepotism and neglecting critical issues, such as the country’s failing healthcare system. The National Assembly’s silence on these breaches signals a concerning trend toward the unchecked abuse of power.
Nigerians must stay vigilant and uphold the Constitution to preserve democracy and prevent the gradual slide toward authoritarian rule.