Tinubu Can Govern Nigeria From Anywhere — Bwala

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said the President can govern Nigeria from anywhere in the world, arguing that his constitutional powers are not restricted by his physical location.

Bwala made the statement in a post on X on Monday while responding to questions from opposition figures over who is in charge of the country as Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima remain outside Nigeria.

“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,” Bwala wrote.

He argued that Tinubu could continue to exercise his constitutional powers while outside the country.

“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,” he said.

Bwala’s comments followed concerns raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over Tinubu’s continued stay abroad.

Atiku, in a statement titled “Who is in charge of Nigeria?” on Monday, questioned whether Tinubu had transmitted a written declaration under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution before leaving the country.

The provision states that when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he shall transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives stating that he is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.

The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu continues to direct the affairs of government while abroad.

The State House 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.