Legal scholar Femi Falana, SAN, has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure his presence in Nigeria, warning against the practice of governing the country from abroad. Mr. Falana, who is also the National President of the Nigerian Bar Association, drew a direct comparison to the leadership style of his Cameroonian counterpart, stating, "Don’t run Nigeria from abroad like Biya runs Cameroon."
The criticism centers on the simultaneous absence of both President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from the country. Mr. Falana argued that this dual absence has created a significant leadership problem within the Nigerian government.
He noted that previous administrations had managed to avoid such a scenario, implying that the current situation is an anomaly in Nigeria's recent political history. The comments highlight concerns regarding the continuity of executive authority and the visibility of the nation's top leaders during their tenure.
The remark references the long-standing governance of Cameroon by President Paul Biya, who has led the West African nation for several decades. By invoking this example, Mr. Falana emphasized the importance of domestic presence for effective leadership in Nigeria.
Mr. Falana’s intervention adds to ongoing public discourse regarding the operational dynamics of the current administration. His statement serves as a formal critique of the logistical arrangements for the President and Vice President’s travels, urging a return to norms established by prior governments.
<small>Source: Premium Times Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
