Tinubu's Executive Order: Legal Authority Explained

Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stated that the Nigerian Constitution grants the President the authority to amend existing laws via executive orders. This assertion was made in response to the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu's executive order that halted revenue deductions by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company.

Pinheiro emphasized that while the executive order cannot override acts of Parliament, it serves as a tool for the President to modify laws to align with constitutional provisions. He referenced Section 315 of the Constitution, which allows the President to make necessary modifications to existing laws.

Additionally, the Arewa think tank, led by Muhammad Yakubu, praised Tinubu's executive order as a courageous intervention aimed at enhancing transparency in the oil and gas sector. They urged the inclusion of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission in the implementation process to ensure accountability in revenue management.