I’m not acting president – Akpabio addresses Tinubu, Shettima’s absence from Aso Rock

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has addressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu's absence from Nigeria, stating he is not acting as the country's president. Akpabio clarified his position while in Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, amidst controversy surrounding the lack of President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Rock Villa.

Tinubu is currently on a three-week working vacation in France, while Shettima is attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Akpabio emphasized that he remains the Senate President and is not an acting president, as President Tinubu is still in power, running the affairs of Nigeria. He stated, "I am the Senate President and not the acting President of Nigeria because President Tinubu is still in power.

He’s on a working leave, and there’s no absence in Aso Rock." Akpabio further noted that there is no vacancy in the government and questioned the reasons behind the public complaints.