Tinubu Can Govern Nigeria From Anywhere, Presidency Says

The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu can continue exercising his presidential powers while outside Nigeria, following questions from opposition figures about his absence from the country. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, said the President's constitutional authority is not limited by his physical location. He argued that Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, can issue directives, delegate responsibilities and administer government affairs from anywhere in the world. The comments came after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar questioned who was exercising presidential authority while Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were both outside Nigeria. The Presidency has said Tinubu's working vacation has been extended by a few days and that he is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. It also says he has remained in contact with officials and continued directing government affairs while abroad. Shettima is currently in New York representing Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume has represented Tinubu at some official functions. The constitutional question has generated public discussion, particularly around Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the temporary transfer of presidential functions when the President is on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge those functions. Legal analysis published by The Guardian notes that physical absence from Nigeria does not by itself create a vacancy in the presidency. Source: https://www.gistreel.com/tinubu-can-govern-nigeria-from-anywhere-presidency-says