Category: cover

The United Kingdom Home Office received 22,619 asylum applications from Nigerian nationals from 2010 to 2024, according to findings by The PUNCH.

 

This is as Nigerians accounted for one in 30 UK asylum claims over the period, ranking 11th on the Home Office’s newly released year-end Asylum and Resettlement statistics.

 

According to the Home Office, nearly twice as many Nigerians (2,841) applied for asylum in 2024 as in 2023 (1,462).

 

Overall, 2024 saw the highest number of asylum applications to the UK, with 108,138 people, a 378 per cent rise from 2010. Most were first-time claims by South Asian and Middle Eastern nationals.

Iran topped the chart with 75,737, likely propelled by the increasing persecution of dissidents by the Iranian regime. Pakistan followed far behind with 57,621. 2024 saw 10,542 Pakistanis claiming asylum in the UK, driven by post-election turmoil, soaring inflation and a spike in blasphemy prosecutions that human rights groups say offer substantial grounds for protection claims.

 

Afghanistan trailed with 54,363 asylum applications since 2010. In 2024, 8,508 Afghans sought refuge in the UK, a development that pundits argue is the continued aftermath of the Taliban ousting of the Karzai administration in 2022. That year, 11,358 Afghans sought asylum in the UK, with 9,710 applications the following year.

 

Others are Albania (50,944), Iraq (45,711), Eritrea (37,687), Syria (34,997) and Bangladesh (31,744). Asylum seekers from Bangladesh rose from 5,097 in 2023 to 7,225 in 2024. The surge coincided with the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

 

Sudan and India round out the top ten with 30,897 and 30,179, respectively.

 

Nigeria’s 22,619 filings sit just ahead of Sri Lanka’s 22,059 and above Vietnam, China and Turkey. Brazil, Kuwait, Yemen, Colombia and Jordan were at the lower end of the list, each contributing fewer than 6,500 claims.

 

Analysts attribute Nigeria’s leap on the list to harsh conditions such as insurgency, bandit attacks, kidnapping and collapsing household purchasing power following the naira’s devaluation in 2023.

 

In an interview with our correspondent, Charles Onunaiju, Research Director, Centre for China Studies, Abuja, argued, “We have a challenge. Since Nigeria is becoming inhospitable, especially for young people with no opportunities, there is desperation to go abroad.”

 

Local reports claim that young professionals who might once have entered the UK through skilled worker visas increasingly hedge their chances by applying for asylum once in the country; others arrive irregularly through continental Europe, citing kidnapping threats and communal attacks in their affidavits.

In most cases, the reports say, applicants also invoke political persecution under Nigeria’s sweeping cybercrimes legislation or discrimination tied to sexual orientation—categories that fall within the Refugee Convention’s protection grounds.

 

Under British law, an asylum seeker must demonstrate a “well-founded fear of persecution” on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group, the Home Office explained on its website.

The Home Office makes initial decisions, and negative rulings can be appealed to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.

 

Theoretically, the Illegal Migration Act 2023 makes those who arrive through a safe third country inadmissible.

 

However, the UK government’s proposed removal pathway—mainly its deal under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to transfer claimants to Rwanda—remains mired in legal challenges.

 

Therefore, most 2024 and 2025 arrivals continue to pass through the ordinary system.

 

Speaking with The PUNCH, Abuja-based development economist, Dr. Aliyu Ilias, argued that the exit of more Nigerians and their permanent settlement abroad means less skilled labour for the country.

 

He said with most Nigerians confronting both economic headwinds and deteriorating security at home, the British asylum route, however uncertain, still appears to offer a better prospect.

 

Ilias explained, “It’s definitely a cause of concern because this includes our professionals who are moving, and it takes a whole lot to train these professionals.

 

“In the medical sector, Nigeria subsidises a lot to get people trained. You cannot get trained as a medical doctor or an engineer abroad for a cheaper cost compared to what we get in Nigeria.

 

“So, it is total brain drain in the long run and for the economy, it is reducing our GDP. The appalling part is that most of our Nigerian brothers and sisters who go out do not return. They get permanent residency, and they become valuable to the immediate country.”

 

Bullion hit another record Tuesday while the dollar weakened and equities fluctuated. US President Donald Trump’s latest salvo against Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell added fuel to fears about the central bank’s independence.

 

With the US tariff blitz still causing ructions on global trading floors, investors are now dealing with the added worry that the US president will try to remove the country’s top banker.

 

Trump took a swipe at Powell last week for his warning that the sweeping levies would likely reignite inflation, saying his “termination cannot come fast enough” and adding that “I’m not happy with him. I let him know it and if I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast, believe me”.

 

While that raised eyebrows, the Republican tycoon sent shivers through markets Monday by calling on the Fed boss again to make pre-emptive cuts to interest rates and calling him a “major loser” and “Mr Too Late”.

On his Truth Social platform, he said there was “virtually” no inflation, claiming energy and food costs were well down and pointing to the European Central Bank’s several reductions.

 

The outbursts have fanned concern that Trump is preparing to oust Powell, with top economic adviser Kevin Hassett saying Friday that the president was considering whether he could do so.

 

Panicked Wall Street investors once again dumped US assets, with all three main indexes ending down around 2.5 per cent on Monday.

 

“The first volley on Thursday had little market reaction, but Monday’s second barrage has seen an intensification of the ‘sell America trade’,” said National Australia Bank’s Tapas Strickland.

 

“Whether or not President Trump is legally able and willing to move against the US Fed, the jousting underscores the loss of US exceptionalism and the very real policy risk for investors.”

 

The rush for safety saw gold hit yet another record above $3,500, and while the dollar steadied after the previous day’s selloff, it remained under pressure against its major peers.

 

Stocks swung between gains and losses on the first full day of business after the Easter break.

 

Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Wellington, Taipei, Manila and Bangkok fell while Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mumbai and Jakarta rose.

 

London barely moved, while Paris and Frankfurt edged down.

 

However, analysts warned of another rout if Trump were to try to fire the Fed boss, which many said could cause a crisis of confidence in the US economy.

“Were Powell to be fired, the initial reaction would be a huge injection of volatility into financial markets, and the most dramatic rush to the exit from US assets that it is possible to imagine,” said Pepperstone strategist Michael Brown.

 

“Lower, much lower, equities; Treasuries sold across the board; and, the dollar falling off a cliff

“Any sign of the longstanding, independent nature of the Fed coming under threat would see investors across the globe selling every single US-based asset that they have, and also poses the genuinely scary prospect of upending the entire way in which the global financial system operates.”

 

 

 

– Key figures –

 

Tokyo – Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.2 percent at 34,220.60 (close)

 

Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: UP 0.6 percent at 21,527.95

 

Shanghai – Composite: UP 0.3 percent at 3,299.76 (close)

 

London – FTSE 100: FLAT at 8,275.99

 

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1500 from $1.1510 on Monday

 

Pound/dollar: UP $1.3389 at $1.3377

 

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 140.38 yen from 140.89 yen

 

Euro/pound: DOWN at 85.88 pence from 86.03 pence

 

West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.1 percent at $63.78 per barrel

Brent North Sea Crude: UP 1.0 percent at $66.95 per barrel

 

New York – Dow: DOWN 2.5 percent at 38,170.41 (close)

 

AFP

Petroleum product marketers on Monday lamented their losses as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to N880 per litre in Lagos and N935 in Abuja.

 

From N925, some NNPC retail outlets in Lagos changed their pump price to N880 on Easter Monday, while those in Abuja adjusted from N950 to N935.

 

The NNPC price reduction came barely a week after the Dangote refinery lowered its ex-depot price from N865 to N835 per litre.

 

The $20bn refinery also directed its partners like MRS, Heyden, and Ardova to sell a litre of petrol at the rate of N890 instead of N920 in Lagos, N900 in the South West, N910 in the South-South, and N920 in the North East.

 

The PUNCH observes that the new NNPC price in Lagos is N10 lower than that of the Dangote refinery, signalling another price war between the two companies.

 

Our correspondent reports that some NNPC filling stations are still selling at the old rate. But marketers said these stations were given the liberty to exhaust old stock before adjusting to the new prices.

 

In an interview with our correspondent, the National Vice President of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, confirmed the price reduction, stressing that filling station operators were losing money.

 

He told our correspondent that NNPC Retail sent a memo to its outlets to effect the new prices.

 

“It is confirmed that NNPC has reduced PMS prices. It is now N880 per litre in Lagos. They sent messages to their retail outlets. Some of them have already put the price at N880. However, they allow those having old stock to continue selling at the old rate. Some are still selling at N910.

“Those are the ones that still have their old stock. So, the same thing applies to independent marketers. Those that have their old stock are still trying to see how they can dispense it,” he stated.

 

While acknowledging that the fluctuation in fuel prices is one part of deregulation, Fashola declared that marketers are losing money.

 

“The price reduction is a welcome development, but at the same time, it has a negative impact on the side of the marketers. We are losing money. That’s just the truth. We are losing money. That’s the bitter truth,” he said.

 

According to him, the price cuts are good for the masses, but marketers pay the price.

 

“On the side of the masses, Nigerians are better for it. People are getting cheaper fuel now, which is good. That’s the beauty of deregulation that we are talking about. There’s nothing anybody can do about it. But marketers are the ones bearing the losses, seriously.

Asked if there is any way to reduce the losses, he replied, “On the part of marketers, what we can do is just to try as much as possible to try and sell. We will reduce prices to a level that, at least, our losses will not be too much. So, you will be able to get rid of your old stock before you go to the market to buy at the new rate and start selling at the new rate.

 

On whether the petrol price could drop to N800 or N700 soon, Fashola refused to make projections.

 

“I don’t want to predict that. You know, two major factors determine this – the crude oil price and our exchange rate. So, I don’t want to predict the price. All these things have their implications. If the crude oil comes down to something like $50 per barrel, it has its own implications for our economy. It will affect the government revenue. At the same time, inflation and all that are also there. So, I don’t want to predict that,” he stated.

 

Recall that the Dangote refinery resumed price cuts after the Federal Government directed that the naira-for-crude deal should continue indefinitely.

The President, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has defended his ‘kundusi’ comment amidst the growing mockery among Nigerians.

 

Akinsanya made the defence while speaking with the delegates of the union in a viral video on Tuesday.

 

According to him, he is uneducated and could probably be bad at expressing himself in the English language, but he trained his children well, and they are now citizens of the United States of America and the United Kingdom.

 

Recall that the union leader recently erroneously mispronounced kudos as “kundusi” while commending the good works of the union members in the Federal Capital Territory.

 

Following this, Akinsanya noted that rather than going to school, he ventured into the transport sector, where he started as a bus conductor.

 

“If you and my children come out to express yourself, I’m not sure you can beat them, they are highly educated. I trained my children properly with money. My children are citizens of America and the United Kingdom. I worked hard to get there.

 

“‘Kundusi!’ What happened? Grammars are too much. Grammar won’t finish Nigeria, I might not understand the English language, but I understand Yoruba,” he said

The union leader also relished his beginning, stressing, “I started as a bus conductor, then as a treasurer of a unit of NURTW, to unit chairman, to branch deputy treasurer, to branch treasurer, to branch chairman, to state chairman, and then to national president. I worked hard to get here. I am not educated.

 

“So they are mocking me for saying ‘kundusi’, is my child not Qudus? You that you are educated, what did you do?,” he queried.

 

Akinsanya’s children are known to be in the defense of their father anytime he goofed on social media with a bad expression.

 

In 2022, one of his sons, who identified as King West on Instagram, challenged those calling his father a lout.

 

Kingwest took to his account after a troll tagged his father a lout who was just enjoying the national wealth because of his relationship with President Bola Tinubu.

 

He wrote, “For those calling my father a tout, if my father was your father, you would never lack love, care, protection. Get a father like mine.”

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed satisfaction with the selection process that led to the emergence Oba Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, saying he had no regrets about ensuring transparency and due process.

 

Makinde, who spoke at the weekend when the newly installed monarch paid him a visit at his residence in Ibadan, said he did not influence the selection processs in order to ensure fairness.

 

“I remained neutral throughout the selection process to guarantee fairness and public confidence,” the governor said.

 

Makinde also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to renovating and reconstructing the Alaafin’s palace to reflect the cultural and historical significance of the Alaafin’s institution.

 

Oba Owoade commended the governor for his visionary leadership and described him as “a man with an objective bent of mind, who is extremely curious and always in search of the truth.”

 

Accompanied by his wife, Ayaba Abiwunmi, the monarch praised Makinde’s commitment to principles, saying the governor is always willing to embrace superior arguments backed by logic and evidence.

 

“Governor Makinde is deeply passionate about the causes he supports, particularly the emancipation and development of his people,” he added.

The Alaafin also lauded the governor for his transparency, steadfastness, and dedication to the welfare of the people, emphasising the importance of open communication in building trust between leaders and the governed.

 

“When leaders genuinely care about their people, they foster trust, build stronger relationships, and ensure long-term success,” he said, praying for the governor’s continued good health and long life in service to the state.

 

He further urged the people of Oyo State to reciprocate the governor’s good governance with unwavering support and cooperation.

 

Meanwhile, the monarch appealed to Governor Makinde to install CCTV cameras along the Fiditi–Oyo road as part of efforts to address the growing insecurity in the area.

 

Oba Owoade noted that while cameras had already been installed between Ibadan and Fiditi, extending the coverage to Oyo town would further enhance security and surveillance in the region.

 

“I want to appeal to the state government for the installation of CCTV cameras between Oyo and Fiditi. These cameras have already been installed between Ibadan and Fiditi,” he said.

 

As the world mourns the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church now faces a critical moment in choosing its next spiritual leader.

 

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City, setting in motion the process to select his successor.

 

Cardinal Peter Turkson, a Ghanaian prelate who may make history as the first Black Pope, is among the top contenders for the papacy.

 

Turkson, previously the Bishop of Cape Coast, attracted notice abroad when Pope Benedict XVI named him a peace envoy to South Sudan.

Cardinal Turkson at the Vatican Press Office. Photo: Bohumil Petrik/CNA

While stressing respect for local cultural norms, Turkson has spoken out against anti-LGBTQ+ policies in Africa.

 

According to ET Now, he was a major player in the 2013 conclave selecting Pope Francis and is still a revered, moderate voice inside the Church.

 

Originally appointed cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003, Turkson presently acts as Pontifical Academy of Sciences’ chancellor.

 

The Week reports that his opinions on homosexuality, environment, and social justice have sometimes caused him conflict with more orthodox cardinals and bishops in Ghana, his own country.

 

Originally from a family of ten children in Western Ghana, Turkson started his seminary education in New York as well as Ghana.

He continued his study at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome following his ordination in 1975, obtaining a licentiate and doctorate in scripture studies.

 

Peter Turkson

Ghanaian cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson waits to exchange Christmas greetings with Pope Francis at the Clementina Hall on December 21, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Photo: Franco Origlia/Vatican Pool/

Speaking German, French, Italian, and English, he is well-known for his intellectual depth and worldwide viewpoint.

 

Pope John Paul II named him Archbishop of Cape Coast, Ghana, in 1992; he became a cardinal in 2003.

 

Pope Benedict XVI invited Turkson to Rome in 2009 to head the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, a post he kept under Pope Francis

 

He started as the first prefect of the newly established Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in 2016.

Turkson moved from his post at dicastery in April 2022 to become chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

 

According to Deccan Herald, the concept of an African pope is gaining more popularity since the Catholic population of Africa is rising gradually.

 

Turkson is among the most eminent personalities in the debate on the papacy’s destiny as the Church confronts a turning point.

The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has faulted recent remarks by former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma, who urged Nigerians to defend themselves in the face of growing insecurity.

 

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Namadi warned that such a statement could lead to lawlessness.

 

“He (Danjuma) is a very senior security person, and should be respected. But if he says that citizens should be allowed to defend themselves, I think you are causing anarchy.

 

“His words need to be analysed carefully,” Namadi said.

Namadi stressed that the government is making ongoing efforts to improve the country’s security architecture.

 

He pointed to his state as an example of how community engagement and strategic planning can help reduce violence.

 

He said, “When we assumed office, we employed a lot of strategies and brought in experts. We also engaged traditional rulers and established standing committees to communicate with the people. Now, they understand that fighting or killing each other is not the solution.

“We have not reached the level where people need to defend themselves.”

 

The governor also backed the establishment of the State Police, describing it as a viable solution to Nigeria’s security problems.

 

“The idea of State Police is still very much alive. Many states have indicated interest. At the level of the National Economic Council, discussions are ongoing, and I believe it will eventually be implemented,” he stated.

 

Danjuma, speaking at a public event in Takum, Taraba State, on Saturday, urged Nigerians to defend themselves against bandits and criminals, warning that relying solely on the government for protection is no longer realistic.

 

“The warning I gave some years ago is still as valid today as it was then. Nigerians must rise and defend themselves,” Danjuma said, referring to his earlier warnings.

 

“We cannot continue to sit and watch while bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs massacre our people unchecked,” he said.

 

The Police Command in Niger has confirmed a stabbing incident that resulted in the death of a community member, Mohammed Abo’ore, in the Fadikpe area of Minna.

 

The Police Public Relations Officer in Niger, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria in Minna on Monday.

 

He said the victim was assisting members of the vigilance group in apprehending miscreants who were smoking cannabis in the area.

 

Abiodun added that during the arrest attempt, one of the suspects, Nura Buhari, stabbed Abo’ore with a pair of scissors and escaped.

 

He noted that Abo’ore was rushed to the General Hospital in Minna, where he was pronounced dead.

He said one suspect, Abdullahi Rabiu, had been arrested and is currently under investigation and assisting the police with information to help track the fleeing suspects.

 

Meanwhile, a resident of the area, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the deceased was a driver with one of the new-generation banks.

 

He said the incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Sunday, adding that the deceased was known for promoting peace in the community.

 

NAN

 

World leaders remembered Pope Francis as “a beacon of compassion”, reacting with sadness after the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics died on Monday.

 

Here are some of the first reactions to the death of the 88-year-old pontiff:

 

‘Stood for brotherly mankind’ – France

 

French President Emmanuel Macron said the Pope had always been “on the side of the most vulnerable and the most fragile” and that he stood for “brotherly humankind”.

 

‘A great man has left us’ – Italy

 

“Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s home. It is deeply sad news because a great man has left us,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.

 

‘A beacon of compassion’ – India

 

“Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

 

“I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development.”

 

‘Strong ties’ – Israel

 

“He rightly saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue as a path toward greater understanding and mutual respect,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said.

 

‘Distinguished papacy’ – Ireland

 

“Pope Francis’ long and distinguished papacy was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace and human dignity,” Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said, adding that he would be remembered for his “expression of pain and shame” about historic child abuse in the Catholic Church during his 2018 visit to Ireland.

 

‘Profound legacy’ – Spain

“I am sorry to hear of the death of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said.

 

‘Indefatigable commitment’ – Germany

Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed “great sorrow” and described Pope Francis as a man “guided by humility and faith”.

He said the Pontiff “will remain in our memories for his indefatigable commitment to the most vulnerable, for justice and for reconciliation”.

 

‘A faithful friend’ – Palestinian President

 

“Today, we lost a faithful friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said, noting that the Pope “recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican”.

 

‘Love and compassion’ – Egypt

 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said the death of Pope Francis “is a profound loss for the entire world, as he was a voice of peace, love and compassion”.

 

He added that the Pope “worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and build bridges of dialogue… and was a champion of the Palestinian cause, defending legitimate rights and calling for an end to conflict”.

 

‘Service to humanity’ – Ethiopia

 

“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come,” Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.

 

‘A loss for humanity’ – Lebanon

 

“We will never forget his repeated calls to protect Lebanon and preserve its identity and diversity,” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said.

 

He called Pope Francis’s death “a loss for all humanity, for he was a powerful voice for justice and peace” who urged “dialogue between religions and cultures”.

 

‘Servant leadership’ – Kenya

“He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable,” Kenyan President William Ruto said.

 

“His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background.”

 

AFP

President Bola Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria today after spending nearly two weeks abroad, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has confirmed.

 

In a brief post shared on X on Monday, Onanuga wrote, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return home today.”

 

Earlier, the Presidency had assured Nigerians that the President remained fully engaged with national governance despite his stay overseas.

 

In a statement released last Thursday, Onanuga said, “The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.”

 

He emphasised that Tinubu’s absence was temporary and “in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks,” with his return scheduled for April 21, after the Easter holidays.

 

“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.

 

“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption,” the statement added.

 

Tinubu had departed for Paris on April 2, 2025, for what the Presidency described as a two-week working visit.

 

According to Onanuga, the purpose was to “appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones.”

 

However, his prolonged stay abroad sparked criticism from opposition leaders amid growing insecurity in parts of the country, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi had both questioned the President’s absence in light of the escalating violence.

Atiku, through his media aide Paul Ibe, criticised Tinubu’s continued stay abroad, describing it as “irresponsibility on the part of the APC-led government.”

 

“Tinubu is away while Nigeria burns—daily killings, attacks, and loss of territories. This is deeply troubling,” Atiku stated. “Nigerians are yearning for real leadership—someone who’s present and actively engaged.”

 

Meanwhile, Obi also urged Tinubu to return immediately to address the worsening security crisis.

“In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity,” he said, citing attacks in Plateau, Zamfara, Borno, and Benue.

 

“I urge Mr President to quickly suspend whatever he is doing in France and rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues,” Obi added.

 

Responding to the criticisms, APC’s Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed claims of a leadership vacuum.

 

“Simply because the President is out of the country does not mean he is not piloting the affairs of the nation,” he said.

 

Ibrahim noted that the President had issued directives to the security agencies and that the Vice President continued to represent him effectively.

 

“You cannot say that a country where the Vice President is actively representing the President is in a vacuum.

 

“A country with that level of leadership engagement is not leaderless,” he said.