Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has criticised the Presidency’s description of President Bola Tinubu’s extended stay outside Nigeria as a “working vacation.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Odinkalu questioned the constitutional basis for the arrangement and argued that the term “working vacation” does not address the requirements set out in Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency initially described as a three-week working vacation. The Presidency later announced that the President had extended his stay by a few days and was expected to return at the weekend. It said Tinubu remained in contact with developments at home and continued directing government affairs while abroad.
Odinkalu argued that the Constitution provides for the transfer of presidential functions when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to perform his duties.
He said the issue should be examined through the constitutional framework rather than through the terminology used to describe the President’s absence.
“If I were counsel to the Presidency, I would not be talking about this idea of a working vacation or a non-working vacation,” Odinkalu said, describing the argument as “quite illiterate” while discussing his interpretation of the constitutional provision.
He also criticised the simultaneous absence of the President and Vice President, saying this had not been the practice under previous administrations.
Odinkalu cited the administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, arguing that arrangements were previously made to ensure that either the President or Vice President remained in Nigeria.
The issue has attracted wider political and legal debate since Tinubu’s extended absence. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also questioned whether the President transmitted the written declaration contemplated by Section 145 to the leadership of the National Assembly.
The Presidency, however, has maintained that Tinubu has continued to direct the affairs of government while abroad. It also said Vice President Kashim Shettima was representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly.
Odinkalu Questions Education Policy
Odinkalu also criticised the administration over education, arguing that Nigeria lacked a clear and updated policy that could be presented during international discussions on education.
He said the number of out-of-school children was increasing and questioned the government’s ability to showcase a comprehensive education policy at the United Nations.
He also referenced the controversy surrounding the proposed concessioning of King’s College and other Unity Schools, arguing that there was a need for a clear policy framework governing such decisions.
Odinkalu’s comments come amid renewed public debate over President Tinubu’s absence from the country and his decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in person.
The Presidency has said Shettima is representing Nigeria at the UN gathering while Tinubu continues his engagements outside the country.
Source: Channels Television
