By ‘Those calling for Buhari to #ResumeOrResign have overstepped their bounds’ -Presidency
The Presidency has reacted to yesterday’s protest by a group of Nigerians calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to return to the country to resume his duties or resign.
Must Read: #ResumeOrResign! Nigerians protest against ailing President Buhari
Reacting to the protest, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu have warned the protesters be cautious as “they have overstepped their bounds.”
See also: 76 Days After, President Buhari still Missing in Action
While saying there was no problem in having a demonstration as it is their right to exercise their freedom as stipulated under the constitution, he believes Buhari’s absence shouldn’t be questioned since the ailing president as duly handed over to his deputy, Professor Yemi Osinbajo who has since been in acting capacity.
Read his full statement below…
I wish to respond to media enquiries following demonstration by a few citizens this morning in Abuja. The demonstration is in the exercise of their freedom under the constitution, which guarantees their right to embark on peaceful protests.
So long as they remain peaceful, we have no problem with them. What is democracy if citizens can’t peacefully demonstrate?
On the second issue, demanding the President’s return, or resignation or certain explanations, I would say that they have over-stepped their bounds.
The President has complied 100 per cent with the constitution by handing over power to the Vice-President before proceeding on his vacation. He has not breached any law or the constitution by staying away from office to take care of his health.
Equally, there is nothing like a power vacuum in the country given the competence and general harmony with which the whole government is running.
Any such calls as being made by this or any other group represents an irrational assault on the constitution and should be ignored by well-meaning members of the public.
The need of the hour for this country is to rid it of corruption, reform and reinvigorate the economy and to fight crime and insurgency.
The government is busy with the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure all over the country. It is creating jobs for the unemployed. It has set its sight on the larger picture of the country’s development; investing in rail and power projects and redeeming the country’s image from the mountains of corruption scandals that have marred it.
“We will not, therefore, be distracted by this or any other groups.
