By Teddy Nwanunobi, Abuja
ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Following the recent development on President Muhammadu Buhari’s extension of his 10-day vacation to seek medical check in London, the Advocacy for Integrity and Economic Development (AIED), late on Sunday, called on the National Assembly “to determine the true state of health of the President, and his ability to continue (in office) with the required functionality of his office” by activating the provisions of Section 144 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
Earlier, Buhari’s Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina, had issued a terse statement in which he informed Nigerians of the President’s desire “to extend his leave in order to complete and receive the results of a series of tests recommended by his doctors”.
Adesina added that Buhari had already written to the National Assembly on the same matter.
“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,” the statement read.
Reacting to the release, AIED pointed out that the signal, which the message sends to most NIgerians, is expectedly one of grave and urgent concern on the state of health and mind of Buhari.
In an emailed statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, O’Seun John, AIED called members of the National Assembly to put aside primordial sentiments, and follow the path of patriotism with the interest of Nigeria as a supreme factor.
“A few hours ago, Mr. Femi Adesina, spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari, purportedly released what has come to Nigerians again as another shocker.
“He allegedly announced via a mere press statement that the President and Commander-in-Chief (emphasis please) of the Nigerian Armed forces will be extending his vacation by an undisclosed time, duration or period.
“It is instructive to note that the President had been on vacation since the 19th day of January, 2017, although in the letter transmitted to the Senate, the vacation was expected to commence on the 23rd day of January, and it was for a period of ten days from that time.
“It is equally important to note that the holiday component of the President’s vacation was emphasised over and above some health concerns.
“Nigerians were merely told Mr. President will ‘also’ use the period of his vacation to do some health check. It was not as if, nor were Nigerians told of any major health concerns.
“In light of this latest development, however, especially with Mr. Adesina’s notice to Nigerians only within the hours when the President is expected to arrive in the country to resume work as scheduled on Monday, 6th of February, 2017, the need for independent medical investigation is paramount.
“The signal, which this sends to most NIgerians, is expectedly one of grave and urgent concern on the state of health and mind of President Muhammad Buhari.
“Advocacy for Integrity and Economic Development (AIED) is hereby calling on the National Assembly to hold a joint session for the sake of Nigeria, and to activate the provisions of Section 144 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) in other to determine the true state of health of the President, and his ability to continue with the required functionality of his office, especially at such critical period in the life and state of the Nigerian economy.
“While we, as a progressive and patriotic organisation continue to offer our prayers to the President for quick recovery, it is expedient to note that the continuous functionality of the Nigeria state transcends any emotion and beyond partisan interest.
“We call on all elected members of the Senate and House of Representatives to put aside primordial sentiments, and follow the path of patriotism with the interest of Nigeria as a supreme factor.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it read.
Section 144(1) states that: the President or Vice-President shall cease to hold office, if – (a) by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of all the members of the executive council of the Federation it is declared that the President or Vice-President is incapable of discharging the functions of his office; and (b) the declaration is verified, after such medical examination as may be necessary, by a medical panel established under subsection (4) of this section in its report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(2) Where the medical panel certifies in the report that in its opinion the President or Vice-President is suffering from such infirmity of body or mind as renders him permanently incapable of discharging the functions of his office, a notice thereof signed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation.
(3) The President or Vice-President shall cease to hold office as from the date of publication of the notice of the medical report pursuant to subsection (2) of this section.
(4) The medical panel to which this section relates shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, and shall comprise five medical practitioners in Nigeria :- (a) one of whom shall be the personal physician of the holder of the office concerned; and (b) four other medical practitioners who have, in the opinion of the President of the Senate, attained a high degree of eminence in the field of medicine relative to the nature of the examination to be conducted in accordance with the foregoing provisions.
(5) In this Section, the reference to executive council of the Federation is a reference to the body of Ministers of the Government of the Federation, howsoever called, established by the President and charged with such responsibilities for the functions of government as the President may direct.
