Buhari jets out to Kenya for medical reasons without transmitting power to Osinbajo
President Muhammadu Buhari, is set to travel out of the country for about two weeks, largely for personal health treatment, but has refused to transfer power to his deputy on an interim basis as constitutionally expected.
The President’s office announced Tuesday that the president will depart Nigeria for Kenya on a three-day official visit after which he will “proceed to London for routine medical checks that will last for a maximum of two weeks.”
The Nigerian constitution provides that when the president is going on vacation or is unable to discharge the functions of his office, he will notify the National Assembly and temporarily transfer power to his deputy.
“WHENEVER the President is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he SHALL transmit a written declaration to the president of the Senate and the speaker of the house of representatives to that effect, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, the Vice-President shall perform the functions of the President as Acting President,” Section 145(1)(2) of the Nigerian Constitution states.
In its statement on Tuesday, the president’s office did not provide details of the ‘medical checks’ Mr Buhari will undergo in London or whether or not it will affect the discharge of his duties.
The president’s spokespersons, Garba Shehu and Femi Adesina, did not answer or return calls seeking clarifications on the matter.
Nigeria Standard…
