By Tolulope Oke
The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu can continue to govern Nigeria from anywhere in the world, insisting that his constitutional powers are not limited by his physical location.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made the statement on Monday while reacting to questions from opposition figures over who is currently in charge of the country as Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are both outside Nigeria.
Bwala, in a post on X, said the President’s ability to exercise his constitutional responsibilities does not depend on his location.
“It is funny how opposition candidates are asking the question who is in charge of Nigeria simply because the President and Vice President are out of the country,” he wrote.
He added that Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, could direct and administer the affairs of Nigeria from anywhere.
“For avoidance of doubt, the power of the President to govern Nigeria is not limited to geography.
“As commander in chief of the armed forces, he can order, direct, delegate and/or administer the constitution of Nigeria anywhere in the world,” Bwala said.
Bwala’s comments followed a statement by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar questioning who was responsible for the affairs of the country while Tinubu remains abroad.
Atiku had asked whether the President transmitted a written declaration under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution before leaving Nigeria.
The section requires the President to notify the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives in writing when proceeding on vacation or when unable to discharge the functions of office.
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of government affairs while abroad.
The State House had earlier announced that the President extended his working vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
