Nigeria, Feb. 23 -- The Presidency has defended Executive Order 9 (EO9), describing it as a constitutional instrument aimed at safeguarding public revenues rather than an attempt by the President to usurp the powers of the National Assembly.

In a statement issued Monday and posted by President Bola Tinubu's Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the government argued that criticisms suggesting that EO9 amounts to the President "making law" misrepresent both the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the fiscal issues at stake.

"Commentary suggesting that Executive Order 9 (EO9) amounts to the President 'making law' misstates both the Constitution and the fiscal question at issue. EO9 does not create law; it enforces...