Medical leave: Saraki reads Buhari’s letter at plenary

Senate President Bukola Saraki reads letter from President Muhammadu Buhari seeking to notify Senate of his intention to embark on medical leave.

Letter says Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to coordinate governance in his absence in accordance with Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa raises a point of order saying the letter stated that the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo would coordinate the government in the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari not that he would serve as Acting President. To him, the letter was not explicit enough.

Senate Majority Leader, Ahmad Lawan quickly countered that the letter mentioned section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution hence there was no need to write on the letter that the Vice President of the country would serve as Acting President as the provisions of the constitution have by default already conferred that status on Osinbajo by the virtue of that letter being sent and read in both chambers of the National Assembly.