The executive functions of the Nigerian Vice-President includes participation in all cabinet meetings and, by statute, membership in the National Security Council, Federal Executive Council, & the Chairman of National Economic Council.
The RELATIVE POWER OF THE NIGERIAN VICE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE DEPENDS UPON THE DUTIES DELEGATED BY THE PRESIDENT
The role of vice-president is one that John Adams, the first person in the US to hold the position, called “the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived”.
Nigeria’s former First Lady, Patience Jonathan captured the situation in response to a journalist who asked about her husband, Goodluck Jonathan, who was then Vice-President. She said: “He is in his office reading newspapers.”
Immunity of VP was nearly removed by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who after rendering Office of Vice President redundant, declared the seat of VP Atiku Abubakar vacant and Atiku took shelter in court. Nigerian High Court ruled that President Obasanjo does not have the power to sack Vice President.
For Almost 78 days Goodluck Jonathan was not in-charge even as Yardua was seriously sick and even international partners accused Turai Yar’Adua, a former schoolteacher and long-time wife of the ex-president of seizing control of the nation. Sambo was tagged a “ghost worker” in his 6 years as the Vice President.
Nigeria’s current deputy, Yemi Osinbajo, has defied normal expectations by spearheading a number of projects aimed at making life a bit easier for people in a country where daily existence is hard. According to Guardian UK, Prof. Osinbajo has defied the Office of the Vice President.
Finally, Ex VP Atiku Abubakar said “The Vice President can only be as effective as the President wants him/her to be. So, it is Office of the Vice President that is TIED not the person in the position. OVP is limited by constitutional power and role
– Omotayo Peters
