Osinbajo: “Coordinating” or “Acting” President? What Buhari’s letter actually means
President Muhammadu Buhari is off to London again for medical treatment.
Buhari handed over to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who is now, again, Acting President.
But Senator Mao Ohuabunwa has a problem with the wording of Buhari’s letter to the National Assembly.
“While I am away,” Buhari wrote lawmakers on Sunday, “the Vice President will coordinate the activities of the government.”
Ohuabunwa, and some Nigerians, are not happy. They say Buhari “made” Osinbajo “coordinating”, not “acting” President as the Constitution demands.
But if Buhari’s words are anything to go by, the senator and Nigerians who share his sentiment don’t seem to get it.
Buhari’s letter reads:
“In compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I wish to inform the distinguished Senate that I will be away for a scheduled medical follow-up with my doctors in London. The length of my stay will be determined by the doctor’s advice.”
The question is: what does that section of the Constitution say?
Here it is:
“Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to them the written declaration to the contrary, such function shall be discharged by the Vice-President as Acting President.”
Period.
By writing to notify lawmakers about his vacation, Buhari automatically handed power over to Osinbajo who IS NOW working as “Acting President”.
Buhari, in his letter, made reference to the Constitution. There’s no foul play here.
Everybody. Calm. Down.
