Power Vacuum Looms As Buhari’s Letter Silent On Osinbajo’s Acting

Buhari in a statement by media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina on Sunday, said he has written to the National Assembly extending his stay in London in order to get his test results.

Adesina wrote: “President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the National Assembly today, February 5, 2017, informing of his desire to extend his leave in order to complete and receive the results of a series of tests recommended by his doctors,” Adesina said in a statement.

“The president had planned to return to Abuja this evening, but was advised to complete the test cycle before returning. The notice has since been dispatched to the senate president, and speaker, House of Representatives.

“Mr. President expresses his sincere gratitude to Nigerians for their concern, prayers and kind wishes.”

It would be recalled that Buhari left the country on January 19, on a 10-day vacation during which he would undergo medical checkups.

The statement was however silent if Osinbajo is to continue as Acting President.

In a letter to the National Assembly on Januray 19, Buhari had indicated that Osinbajo is to act in his absence.

A source close to the Presidency has expressed worry over the development, warning that a cabal other than the Acting President was in charge.

There were speculations recently that some Northern elements had asked Acting President Osinbajo to resign so that Senate President Bukola Saraki could step in as Acting President.

While the Senate President denied been part of such a plan, the office of the Vice President had remained silent on the matter.

Worried by the unfolding development, the Nigeria Democracy Platform has summoned an emergency meeting in Lagos for Sunday.

The meeting hosted by Prof. Pat Utomi indicated that the state of the nation is the main agenda.