N.C. Gen. Stat. § 142-9: Duties performed by other officers.

If the Council of State shall at any time find that either the Governor or the State Treasurer is unable by reason of absence, disability, or otherwise, to sign any bonds or certificates, the Lieutenant-Governor may sign the same in lieu of the Governor, and they may be signed in lieu of the Treasurer by any member of the Council of State designated by it. (1864-5, c. 24; Code, s. 3567; Rev., s. 5024; C.S., s. 7409; Ex. Sess. 1921, c. 66, s. 8.)