The media aide to African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has called on the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as a violation of the Constitution.
Ibe made the call during an interview with News Central TV, following the President’s extended stay in Europe.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week annual vacation in London before travelling to Paris, France. The Presidency subsequently announced that he had extended his working vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
Ibe questioned whether the President transmitted the written declaration contemplated by Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Section 145 provides for a written declaration when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office. It also provides that, where the declaration is not transmitted within 21 days, the National Assembly may, by resolution of both chambers, mandate the Vice-President to perform the functions of President as Acting President.
Based on his interpretation of the provision, Ibe argued that the National Assembly should begin impeachment proceedings against Tinubu if the constitutional requirements were not followed.
He also questioned the Presidency’s use of the term “working vacation,” arguing that the Constitution specifically addresses presidential absence on vacation.
The Presidency, however, has maintained that Tinubu has remained in touch with developments in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs while abroad. It also said Vice-President Kashim Shettima had represented the President at official functions during his absence.
The dispute has intensified political debate over the constitutional procedure governing presidential absence, particularly after Tinubu’s vacation extended beyond the period initially announced.
