Odinkalu Warns: Nigeria Risks Ungoverned State as Leaders Both Abroad
Former NHRC chairman Chidi Odinkalu criticized President Bola Tinubu's extended Europe stay while Vice President Kashim Shettima attends UNGA in New York, warning Nigeria risks becoming an 'ungoverned territory.' Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today yesterday, Odinkalu noted it violates precedent where either president or VP always remained in-country under Obasanjo, Yar'Adua, Jonathan and Buhari administrations. He cited Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution requiring written presidential declaration for power transfer when abroad, which hasn't occurred. Tinubu left Abuja August 30 for a working vacation in London and Paris (extended by few days), while Shettima departed September 20 for UNGA 81st session. The Presidency says Tinubu remains in contact and Shettima has full mandate to represent Nigeria at UNGA. Odinkalu likened the situation to Paul Biya's Cameroon absences and questioned if leaders understand their obligations beyond constitutional technicalities. With both top officials abroad simultaneously for the first time in recent Nigerian history, what mechanisms ensure uninterrupted governance when Section 145's procedural requirements aren't met?