Odinkalu criticises Tinubu’s extended absence from Nigeria

Former National Human Rights Commission chairman Chidi Odinkalu has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s extended absence from Nigeria, saying the country’s principal leaders should not routinely be away at the same time. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Odinkalu said Tinubu’s absence represented a departure from previous practice. He said earlier presidents had generally ensured that the vice president remained in Nigeria when the president travelled abroad.

Odinkalu rejected the idea that the president could administer the country virtually beyond the constitutional period he referred to as 21 days. He argued that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation could not act for the president under Section 145 of the Constitution. He described Tinubu’s absence as “japa”, a term he explained as leaving the country for better opportunities, and said Nigeria had become an “ungoverned territory” because those in charge had abdicated responsibility.

He also urged presidents not to take their countries for granted. Tinubu left Abuja for a three-week vacation in Europe, according to information from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The president visited London and Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore, and later extended the trip by several days.

The presidency said Vice President Kashim Shettima was representing Tinubu and would deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the United Nations General Assembly. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had questioned Tinubu’s absence from the gathering.