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The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu can continue governing Nigeria while outside the country, insisting that his constitutional powers are not restricted by his physical location.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, made the clarification in a post on X on Monday, September 21, amid questions from opposition figures over who is currently exercising presidential authority.
Bwala said the President could continue to issue directives and exercise his constitutional responsibilities from abroad.
Presidency responds to questions over Tinubu’s absence
Bwala said, “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 added, “As commander in chief of the armed forces, he can order, direct, delegate and/or administer the constitution of Nigeria anywhere in the world.”
The comments followed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s call for clarification over Tinubu’s continued absence from Nigeria after the three-week vacation announced for the President elapsed.
Atiku raises constitutional question
Atiku questioned whether Tinubu transmitted a written declaration under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution before leaving Nigeria, arguing that Nigerians should know who is exercising presidential authority.
Meanwhile, the State House said Tinubu had extended his working vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
It also maintained that the President had remained in contact with officials and continued directing government affairs while abroad.
The development has continued to generate discussion over presidential authority when both Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are outside Nigeria.
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