Laolu Akande, former media aide to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has described the difference in constitutional powers between a Nigerian President and Vice President as that between light and darkness.
Akande made the remark on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he discussed the workings of the presidency and his experience serving under Osinbajo.
According to him, many Nigerians fail to understand that the President and Vice President operate with different levels of authority, as the President has the final say on government decisions while the Vice President can only offer advice and suggestions.
“The difference between the President and the Vice is light and darkness. The President has the power, the Vice does not,” Akande said.
Reflecting on the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Akande said Osinbajo presented several ideas and recommendations during his time in office, but they were not always accepted by the President.
He explained that the constitutional arrangement gives the President executive authority, making it impossible for the Vice President to overrule the President on matters of government policy.
Akande argued that Nigerians who criticised Osinbajo over certain decisions during the Buhari administration failed to appreciate the limitations of the Vice President’s office.
He added that a similar situation exists under President Bola Tinubu, noting that Vice President Kashim Shettima can advise the President, but the final decisions rest with Tinubu.
The former presidential spokesman urged Nigerians to stop holding Vice Presidents responsible for decisions taken by Presidents, stressing that there is a significant difference in their constitutional powers and responsibilities.
