Bwala Defends Tinubu's Ability to Govern from Abroad

Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, asserted that President Tinubu can govern Nigeria from any location in the world. This statement was made in response to inquiries from opposition figures regarding the governance of Nigeria while both Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are currently outside the country.

Bwala expressed that the President's powers are not limited by geography, stating, “As commander in chief of the armed forces, he can order, direct, delegate and/or administer the constitution of Nigeria anywhere in the world.” His comments followed a statement from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the governance of Nigeria during Tinubu's extended stay abroad and whether he had transmitted a written declaration under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution before leaving. This section requires the President to inform the Senate President and House Speaker when unable to perform his duties.

The Presidency maintained that Tinubu continues to direct government affairs while abroad, with an announcement that he would extend his working vacation by a few days.