The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu can continue to exercise his constitutional powers and direct the affairs of Nigeria regardless of his physical location.
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made the clarification in a post on X on Monday while responding to questions from opposition figures about who is currently in charge of the country as Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima remain outside Nigeria.
Bwala argued that the President’s authority to govern is not restricted by geography.
He said that as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Tinubu could issue directives, delegate responsibilities and administer government affairs from anywhere in the world.
His comments followed a statement by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar questioning who was responsible for running the country during Tinubu’s extended stay abroad.
Atiku had asked whether the President transmitted a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives in accordance with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution before leaving Nigeria.
Section 145 provides that when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to perform the functions of his office, he is required to transmit a written declaration to the National Assembly leadership.
The Presidency, however, maintained that Tinubu remained in charge of government while abroad.
The State House also announced on Monday that the President had extended his working vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
