London Visit: How Buhari ‘Violated’ Nigeria’s Constitution – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has decried the purported non-transmission of power to Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, as it called on the National Assembly to address alleged power vacuum created by President Muhammadu Buhari trip to the United Kingdom, UK.

Recall that while announcing the President’s latest trip, presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, had in a statement, disclosed that Buhari will in the course of the visit hold discussions with the British Prime Minister, Theresa May. The statement added that Buhari will also meet Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Plc, disclosing that these will happen before the President proceeds to Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings that will start on April 18, 2018.

The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, expressed surprise that the president did not transmit a letter to the National Assembly, indicating that he would be away on a week vacation in London, ahead of the meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government, CHOGM.

It stated that Buhari’s action is a violation of Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The PDP also said Buhari, who arrived London on Monday, did not conduct any government business in 72 hours, pointing out that it is not clear when he would return.

The opposition party urged the National Assembly to take urgent steps to address a constitutional crisis that might arise from the failure of the president to transmit power to his deputy, Osinbajo, before he left for London.

According to the PDP, “Nigeria is at the moment, bereft of statutory leadership, including the apparatus of security command, particularly as president Buhari had not indicated a date of return to the country. The PDP, and, of course, Nigerians at large, are particularly worried that, in the event of any national emergency, there is no sitting commander-in-chief to take charge.

“It is incontrovertible that president Buhari is on a private trip to the UK, as he was not received on arrival by the government of that country; has not had any contact with the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, or any high officials of the UK government and has not conducted any official business since his arrival to that country, on Monday.

“Nigerians will recall that the PDP had earlier demanded the Presidency issue a full disclosure on the nature, scope and duration of the private aspect of Buhari’s trip, a request, they blatantly ignored, in total disdain to the sensibilities of Nigerians.”