Tinubu Made It Clear – Dauda Lawal Defends President’s Working Leave Abroad

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remain outside Nigeria during his extended working leave, dismissing criticism over the President’s absence from the country and the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

According to Bush Radio Academy, Lawal made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, where he addressed concerns surrounding Tinubu’s absence from the annual gathering of world leaders in New York.

Lawal said the President had clearly informed Nigerians that his trip was a working leave and argued that being outside the country did not prevent him from carrying out his official 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,” Lawal said.

The Zamfara governor also pointed to advances in technology, arguing that modern communication systems have made it possible for government officials to continue working and communicating effectively from different locations.

According to him, Nigeria is evolving and should take advantage of technological development to improve the way government functions.

“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.

Lawal dismissed concerns that Tinubu’s continued stay outside Nigeria was controversial, maintaining that the President was not simply taking time off but was continuing to work for the country.

“I don’t see that to be any controversial because he is not just resting; he is working for Nigeria,” the governor added.

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation in Europe, and the Presidency subsequently announced that his stay would be extended by a few days. The President’s absence from the 81st UNGA has generated public and political debate, with critics questioning the decision not to attend the gathering personally.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria at the UNGA in New York, where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.

Lawal, who has defended the President’s decision, maintained that physical presence outside Nigeria does not necessarily prevent a president from performing official duties, particularly with the use of modern technology.