Lawyer urges National Assembly to clarify Tinubu’s absence under Constitution

Justice Osai Ahiakwo called on Nigeria's National Assembly to clarify the constitutional status of President Bola Tinubu’s extended absence, which began on August 30 during his European vacation. He explained that the 1999 Constitution provides procedures for handling presidential absence, including the requirement for the President to transmit a written declaration to the legislature. Ahiakwo emphasized that the President’s physical absence does not constitute a vacancy, and the Vice-President should act as President if the declaration is not made within 21 days.