The lawmaker representing Agege Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Wale Ahmed, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s extended stay abroad, insisting that the President remains engaged in governance despite being outside Nigeria.
Ahmed said Tinubu was entitled to his annual leave and urged Nigerians to focus on whether the President was effectively discharging his constitutional responsibilities.
In a statement on Sunday, the lawmaker cautioned against interpreting the President’s absence from the country as an abandonment of duty.
Tinubu Is Entitled To Annual Leave – Wale Ahmed
Ahmed said Nigerians should distinguish between legitimate questions about presidential conduct and what he described as political rhetoric.
“The President is entitled to his annual leave. What Nigerians should be concerned about is whether government is functioning and presidential responsibilities are being discharged,” he said.
According to him, Tinubu’s stay in France has also involved official engagements, including meetings with investors and international leaders.
Ahmed argued that such engagements could help attract investment and strengthen Nigeria’s economic relationships with other countries.
“Here is a President who, while on vacation, is still engaging investors and international leaders on opportunities that can benefit Nigeria. That is not abandonment of duty,” he said.
‘Being Outside Nigeria Does Not Mean Being Outside Government’
The lawmaker maintained that modern presidential governance does not necessarily require the President to be physically present in Nigeria at all times.
“Being outside Nigeria does not mean being outside government. The President can receive briefings, issue directives and take decisions from anywhere,” Ahmed said.
He pointed to the continued flow of government activities and presidential directives as evidence that the administration remains operational during Tinubu’s absence.
Ahmed Defends Shettima’s Role At UN General Assembly
Ahmed also defended Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation to the UN General Assembly and delivered the country’s national statement, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, represented the President at some official engagements.
Ahmed said the Vice-President’s constitutional role allows him to assist the President in carrying out executive responsibilities.
“The Vice-President is not a ceremonial official. He is constitutionally positioned to assist the President in discharging executive responsibilities,” he said.
Tinubu’s Directive On Niger State Deaths Cited
The lawmaker also referenced Tinubu’s directive for an independent investigation into the reported deaths of 37 people detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State over suspected illegal mining.
The State House said the President ordered a full and transparent investigation into the incident, after which the Interior Ministry constituted an independent committee to investigate the deaths.
Ahmed argued that the President’s response demonstrated continued involvement in matters affecting Nigerians.
“If the President is receiving reports, issuing directives and taking decisions on matters affecting Nigerians, it is difficult to sustain the argument that he has abandoned governance,” he said.
Lawmaker Calls For Institutional Scrutiny
While acknowledging that questions about constitutional compliance could legitimately be raised, Ahmed said such issues should be addressed through the appropriate institutions.
“There is a difference between asking whether constitutional procedures have been followed and saying that the President has abandoned his mandate,” he said.
The lawmaker urged opposition parties to focus their scrutiny on key national issues, including the economy, security, infrastructure and employment.