Debate Over Buhari’s Letter & Osinabjo as ‘Coordinator of Affairs’ is Needless – Minister Speaks Out

Debate Over Buhari’s Letter & Osinabjo as ‘Coordinator of Affairs’ is Needless – Minister Speaks Out

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture has spoken out on ongoing controversy and mixed reactions over the status of VP Yemi Osinbajo after Buhari’s letter to the Senate.

Buhari & Osinbajo (Photo: Premium Times)

 

President Muhamamdu Buhari who left the country on Sunday, May 7, for medical treatment for the second time in few months, wrote to the Nigerian Senate informing them that he has duly handed over power to Professor Yemi Osinbajo who is expected to replace him in acting capacity.

 

Speaking while addressing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said that the ongoing debate over the status of Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo as Nigeria’s Acting President is a needless distraction.

 

Recall that we had earlier reported that controversy trailed President Muhamamdu Buhari’s letter written to the Senate, which was read a letter by Bukola Saraki during plenary on Tuesday, where the president informed the Senate of his return to the UK to see his doctors.

 

The President in the latter stated that while he is away, for a yet to be determined period, Yemi Osinbajo would coordinate the affairs of the government.

 

A senator, Mao Ohabunwa, had raised a point of order saying Buhari’s choice of words may affect the status of the Vice President. He was however, ruled out of order by Saraki.

 

A human rights lawyer, Ebun Olu-Adegoruwa, on Wednesday, asked the National Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against President Buhari, saying the content of the letter did not transmit full presidential powers to Osinbajo.

 

Responding to the controversy on Wednesday, Lai Mohammed said the whole thing is a “needless controversy and distraction”, adding, “the operative word is Section 145 of the constitution which the president has already referred to.”