Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Senate! Stop this drama!

It's more of tantrum than drama when you read this...

"Senator kicks as Buhari fails to designate Osinbajo acting President in letter to Senate."

Did President Buhari fail to do the needful? No said out contact in the Presidency:

I believe he has done what the constitution requires... It is the constitution that designates AP once P does the letter.

Senator Ahmed Lawan , the Senate leader , was able to provide a very good explanation, citing the relevant section of the Constitution to clarify the mi fact that the President has indeed complied and VP Yemi Osinbajo, is an acting President. Senator Mao Ohuambuwa was only playing on semantics.

"While I am away, the VP Yemi Osibajo, will coordinate the affairs of the government." Senator Ohuabunwa queried this, saying PMB did not state that VP is the acting president.

But we all can read! The letter stated unequivocally:

"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.

While I am away, the Vice President will coordinate the activities of the government. Please accept, the distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Now, critically re-examined the word "in compliance"... It simply suggests that whatever is  in that section of the constitution is fully recognised as it should be which automatically made Osinbajo the Acting President and the word coordinate stands more like an added feat to what the constitution stipulated of him. So, if you are being cynical as usual, sane folks have this to say to you...

A letter was written in compliance with the attendant section of the constitution and that section was DULY quoted. The constitution remains the supreme law.

Now can the senate quit this tantrum and get busy with the REAL job of legislation!

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