Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to continue official duties while outside Nigeria, saying modern technology allows the President to govern effectively from any location.
Lawal spoke on Channels Television’s Inside Sources while addressing criticism over Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The governor said Tinubu had been clear that his absence from the country was a working leave, rather than a break from his presidential responsibilities.
“When the President travelled, he made it very clear that he was going on a working leave. Wherever the President is, he is working for Nigeria,” he said.
Lawal argued that advances in technology had changed how governments could conduct official business, making physical presence in the country less of a limitation for leaders.
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He said Nigeria should embrace these developments and use technology to make governance more flexible and efficient.
“Nigeria is evolving, and the President can work anywhere. That is why we are investing so much in technology, to be able to work wherever you are,” he said.
The Zamfara governor also rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s decision to work from outside the country was unusual or controversial.
According to Lawal, the President was not merely away on a personal break but remained engaged with the affairs of the country.
“I don’t see that to be any controversial because he is not just resting, he is working for Nigeria,” Lawal said.