Vacuum in Aso Rock: Less than 24 hours after Tinubu left for France, Shettima jets out to Senegal
Again, Aso Rock the seat of power in Nigeria has been strip of elected representatives, as neither President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have left town, a development that seems to be becoming a norm.
Less than 24 hours after Tinubu left for France where he would be spending the next 14 dayas on “working visit,” Shettima jetted out of Abuja for Dakar, Senegal, where he is billed to represent the President at the West African nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations, scheduled for April 4.
The event, which marks the country’s Independence Day and commemoration of its liberation from French colonial rule in 1960, is a yearly ceremony usually celebrated with parades, cultural displays, and ceremonies highlighting the country’s achievements and unity.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, said in a statement on Thursday that Shettima’s participation followed an official invitation from Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
“This underscored the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Senegal. The two nations share longstanding relations, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), fostering cooperation on regional security, trade, and development initiatives.
“The main Independence Day event is set to take place at the Place de la Nation in Dakar, where President Faye will host Vice President Shettima alongside other distinguished guests from across Africa and beyond.
“The event is expected to reaffirm Senegal’s commitment to democratic governance and regional cooperation. Vice President Shettima is scheduled to return to Nigeria immediately after the one-day celebrations, continuing his engagements in national development and diplomatic outreach,” the statement, said.
