Buhari Extends Leave Indefinitely

By Oladapo Okeowo

President Muhammadu Buhari has said his return to take the helms of the country is dependent on being certified well-enough by his doctors.

This came to light in a letter exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES. The letter had only been published in snippets by the Senate and Presidency.

According to the letter, which was addressed to the Senate, the President makes reference to his Jan. 18 letter signifying his intent to go on leave and then tells the members of the “Distinguished Senate” that he is extending his leave “until the doctors are satisfied that certain factors are ruled out.”

The President wrote, “Further to my letter dated 18th January 2017 in which I notified the Distinguished Senate of taking part of my annual leave.

“… I am extending my leave until the doctors are satisfied that certain factors are ruled out.

“Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Buhari had on January 18 written the National Assembly, notifying the legislature that he was proceeding on a 10-day leave and temporarily transferring presidential power to Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo.

He was supposed to resume Feb 6 but he did not. This has sparked rumours of his death and raised the spectre of the way the Yar’adua presidency ended.

With this indefinite extension, Osinbajo remains as Acting President for the third time in this administration: February 5, 2016; June 2016 and January 2017 and in all the situation, the reason was the President’s health.

A formal notice to both chambers of the National Assembly on the president’s intention to proceed on leave and hand over power temporarily to the vice-president is in compliance with Section 145 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution.

Here is the letter as obtained by PREMIUM TIMES.

 

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