The Senate has formally confirmed receipt of President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter, extending his vacation indefinitely.
The upper chamber however insisted that it would not convene an emergency session to read the President’s letter, saying there is no emergency that would warrant such.
Recall that the upper legislative chamber proceeded on break on January 26 to allow for budget defence by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and will resume by February 21.
Speaking on the development Tuesday, Senate Spokesperson Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi failed to confirm the date of the letter.
“The letter was received by the Senate President and I was briefed today (yesterday).
He also failed to produce the letter, saying it is in the custody of the Senate President.
Recall that President Buhari wrote to the Senate on January 18, that the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo would act on his behalf as President for 10 days that he would be on vacation.
In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, President Buhari said he was writing in line with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 constitution as amended.
According to the letter, which was read on the floor of the Senate at plenary by Saraki, President Buhari said he will be away from Monday 23rd January to Monday 6th February.
However, 24 hours to his resumption, the President extended his vacation indefinitely.
The extension was contained in a three-paragraph statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
Adesina said the extension was necessary to allow the President complete the series of medical tests recommended by his doctors and get the results.
But Sabi could not verify the authenticity of the President’s signature in the second letter, as he went on a fit of anger when asked about it.
“I find the last comment very uncomplimentary to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If he’s there he can’t write a letter and for it to be DHL? If at this level we cannot trust ourselves to do certain basic things then why should I trust you?” an angry Senate Spokesperson told a reporter who questioned the authenticity of the President’s letter, considering the fact that he is in London receiving medical treatment.
The lawmaker added that no emergency would warrant it to call off its break to convene an emergency session to read the President’s letter.
“As it is we have suspended plenary to allow the various committees attend to the National budget which is a very important documents that Nigerians are waiting for. There is no emergency for us to say we are suspending our break. When we resume all communications that come in will be taken”, he stated.
