President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending 28 days in Europe, bringing an extended trip that the Presidency described as a “working vacation” to an end amid questions over the constitutional process governing presidential absence.
Tinubu arrived in Lagos from Paris on Tuesday, September 29, after leaving Nigeria on August 30. His return followed an extension of the initial three-week vacation announced by the Presidency.
Speaking shortly after his return, Tinubu said he was “healthy, sound, and ready to go.” Asked about his time in Europe, the President said, “I enjoyed myself. Fantastic,” before adding that he was ready to resume activities.
Extended stay raises questions over Section 145
Tinubu’s prolonged absence has generated debate over Section 145 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which addresses the procedure to be followed when a President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to perform the functions of office.
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remained in charge of government while abroad and continued to perform his official responsibilities. During the trip, he travelled from London to Paris and held engagements that included meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and business figures.
Critics, however, have questioned whether the President was required to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives before proceeding on vacation.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung was among those who argued that the constitutional procedure should have been followed, contending that the Constitution does not specifically recognise the term “working vacation.”
The legal question has not been conclusively determined by a court.
AAC takes dispute to Federal High Court
The controversy has now moved into the courts.
The African Action Congress filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the National Assembly.
The party is asking the court to interpret Section 145 and determine whether Tinubu could proceed on vacation without transmitting the written declaration contemplated by the Constitution.
The AAC is also challenging what it describes as the National Assembly’s failure to invoke the provision dealing with a presidential absence exceeding 21 days. The party is seeking declarations on the constitutional obligations of both the President and the National Assembly.
As of the filing of the case, no hearing date had been fixed.
Shettima’s UN role adds to debate
The issue also attracted attention while Vice President Kashim Shettima was outside Nigeria attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Presidency said Shettima represented Tinubu at the gathering and delivered Nigeria’s national statement.
The overlap in the travels of the President and Vice President became another point of discussion in the wider debate over presidential continuity during Tinubu’s absence.
Tinubu resumes duties in Nigeria
During his European stay, Tinubu held several engagements, including a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, discussions with business leaders and an event involving a proposed investment agreement between the Ogun State Government and DP World.
According to the State House, the President is expected to remain in Lagos for political engagements before returning to Abuja. He is also scheduled to participate in activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
Tinubu’s return ends his 28-day stay abroad, but the constitutional questions surrounding the trip are now before the Federal High Court, where the AAC is seeking judicial interpretation of the relevant provisions.
