Osinbajo Fears Buhari, Can’t Take Any Major Decision – Reuters

Even as Presidency hawks continue to insist that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo is in-charge, influential news outlet, Reuters, is reporting the contrary.

The media outfit has reported that Osinbajo is afraid of upsetting President Muhammadu Buhari who has been away from Nigeria for 102 days and counting in London for undisclosed illness.

“Buhari has kept a grip on power despite his medical leave, and the more business-friendly Osinbajo has been reluctant to challenge him.

“This has gone as far as him flying to London to get permission for personnel changes,” Reuters said.

“He (Osinbajo) is so scared to offend President Buhari to the extent that he takes no major action without consent from him through phone,” said a presidency official, asking not to be named.

The report also added that “Osinbajo still seeks approval from Buhari or his chief of staff.”

According to the report, Osinbajo is walking a tightrope to avoid policies that may annoy Buhari and his inner circle, who are mainly Muslim northerners.

“The chief of staff and his team are working alongside Osinbajo on the understanding that (he) will not run in 2019,” a government adviser said.

“The election cycle is the last two years of an administration. As we enter the election the issue of mutual trust becomes crucial because nobody wants to be ambushed,” said the adviser, who did not want to be named.