Uncategorized

Buhari’s letter: Creating a Constitutional crisis where there is none

Published

9 years ago

May 10, 2017

By: Faeren Kuanum Terrence

The wordings of the letter conveying President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to travel to the Uk for medical treatment has sparked a controversy.

From fears that the president may sneak out of the country without informing the National Assembly, the emanating issue after the president has observed all the processes for him to proceed on the medical vacation including transmitting a letter to the National Assembly as well as informing the citizenry has transmuted into a hullabaloo on the literal meaning of a certain phrase in the letter.

The angst has to do with the aspect of the letter which says the vice president will coordinate the activities of the government while the president is away.

And for this, all manners of interpretations have emerged to the extent that some have called on the president to resign saying he has by that comment breached the Nigerian Constitution and (you won’t believe this) annulled the office of the vice president.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a lawyer, even suggested that the use of the phrase constitutes immense damage to the Constitution and requires a no less drastic measure as commencing impeachment proceedings against the president for the infraction to be addressed.

‎He says this is because the function of a coordinator of government activities does not equal that of an acting president in that the former is a person of equal status with others, do cannot make appointments or sack anybody while the President is away, cannot discipline any erring minister, is limited in policy decisions, and “has no power of control over the ‘Cabal’ to whom the president has handed over power, albeit illegally.”

“In all, he says, “the National Assembly should commence impeachment proceedings against the President for gross misconduct.”

But the lawyer, to paraphrase a Bible passage, can be said to be exhibiting zeal without adequate knowledge on the subject matter.

A careful and disinterested look at the letter would reveal both the zeal and lack of depth to the interpretation given.

This is what the letter says, ” 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.”

We can see clearly that even from the opening phrase of the letter, the President makes no pretense about his resolve to abide by Constitutional provisions and had even made the point that his actions are guided strictly by that provision.

If the president had intended to be dubious, nebulous or evasive as is being insinuated in the message he intended to convey, he would have known better than to make the Constitution his guide and would have completely left out constitutional provisions in the letter since he is not in any way compelled to do so.

It is amazing how a clear matter-of – fact case of respect for the rule of law is now being twisted to look otherwise just to score a political point.

Sections 145 which the president cited states thus: ‘Whenever the President is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he shall transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to that effect, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, the Vice President SHALL perform the functions of the President as Acting President.’‎

The phrase which caused the uproar should therefore not have done so as the writer of the letter had made it clear where he derives his powers from to so act and even if he by default goes ahead to say anything to the contrary he should simply have been ignored as he cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time.

But that is not even the case here as the constitutional provision which the president relied on to go on medical provision cannot be exercised in part. So, for anybody to input meaning that goes against the spirit and wording of the letter is outright mischievous.

Even if one agrees without conceding that the President had not expressly stated that the vice president should step forth and run the affairs of the country as ‘acting president’, how does that amount to a declaration that the office of the vice president is no more?

The farthest this line of argument would have been stretched was to have said that he continues in his role ‎as vice even in the absence of the president, the added non existent implication is therefore puerile and without legal basis.

‎This leads to the issue of calling on the National Assembly to commence impeachment proceeding on the president for alleged gross misconduct.

The truth is that while the interpretation of gross misconduct is inelastic, the framers of the Constitution did not intend it as a joke or a tool for use by mischief makers like Adegboruwa and his cohorts want to have us believe .

‘Gross’ as the word connotes here is the qualifier that magnifies the misdeed to the proportion intended by the framers of the Constitution which does not exist here. And in this case, even if the letter could be said to have shied away from addressing the VP as acting president, pray, where is the gross misconduct here?

The mere transmission of a letter to the National Assembly to intimate it of the president’s intention to travel and the recourse to a constitutional provision in the same letter, is enough proof that the president respects the Constitution and is well aware of the demand when he is not available.

If any one was in doubt, the best thing to have done was to have cross checked the wording of the section of the Constitution cited and hold the President to account on that basis if and when he goes against that provision.

Looking for loopholes in areas where the weight of the law would suffice is like saying that the letter by the president carries more weight than the Constitution.

‎But every lawyer knows that even where there is that intent and such comes into conflict with the ground norm, it is the Constitution that holds sway.

It is therefore assumed that by citing section 145, the president has done the appropriate thing which in this case is the recognition of the vice president as the acting president so the issue of whether he can sack or appoint anybody does not arise. He needs not sack anyone except some people are planning to sack members of the Federal Executive Council to perfect another sinister agenda.

If a president dies for example, it does not matter whether he stated when he was alive that the vice president should take over from him or not as the Constitution has made that explicitly clear who should take over

The same applies to the current situation where the President has to be away. One wonders what the hoopla is all about then.‎

At this juncture, one can assure all concerned that there is no constitutional crisis in the country. It is those that are out to make political capital out of the current situation that are seeing a constitutional crisis when there is none.

So the call on the National Assembly to reject the President’s letter does not arise. If anything, it would even create more chaos than the storm in a tea cup interest the letter is generating now because if that happens, it would be assumed that the President had travelled and left the country without transmitting a letter to the national Assembly which will set the tone for a constitutional crisis the end of which no one can tell.

Kuanum is a forensic expert and assessor with the Global Amnesty Watch Foundation, contributed this piece from Lagos.

Uncategorized

Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

Uncategorized

FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i

Uncategorized

2027: Violent ;Kaduna as ADC, APC Supporters Trade Accusations….APC Calls For Police Investigation into the Vandalisation, attacks on its Office

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

Tension is mounting in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 general elections, following renewed exchanges between supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and groups backing the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
The latest development came on Tuesday when ADC governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, addressed supporters in Kaduna and, according to an account of his remarks, declared that the party was prepared to respond to attacks against its members.
Ashiru was also quoted as saying that it was Governor Uba Sani, rather than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was responsible for the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

However, available public records show that El-Rufai’s detention followed proceedings before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with the commission stating that his continued custody was based on a court-issued remand order.

The controversy over El-Rufai’s detention has nevertheless become a major political issue in Kaduna and beyond. The ADC has repeatedly criticised the handling of the former governor’s case and alleged political persecution, while other political actors have made different claims about the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Rising political temperature

Ashiru’s emergence as the ADC governorship candidate has added another dimension to the political contest in Kaduna. He defeated other aspirants at the party’s governorship primary in May 2026 and is now preparing for another governorship contest after previously representing the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
The political atmosphere has been further complicated by disagreements within the ADC and accusations from different groups over the party’s leadership and candidates.

A Southern Kaduna political group, for instance, recently questioned Ashiru’s candidacy and the choice of his running mate, allegations rejected by an ADC official.
The situation has also produced incidents involving ADC supporters and security personnel. In one recent incident, police dispersed an ADC solidarity walk in Kaduna, while the party subsequently accused opponents of attacking its members and warned that political violence could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor remains an important factor in the emerging political contest. El-Rufai was taken into custody in February 2026 after responding to an invitation from the ICPC. His family subsequently demanded his release, while the anti-graft agency maintained that his detention was authorised by a court.
Since then, the issue has increasingly featured in political statements by the ADC and its supporters, with the party accusing the Federal Government of political persecution and calling for the former governor’s release.
The development has created a new political fault line involving the ADC, the APC-led Kaduna State Government and supporters of the former governor.

While allegations have been exchanged over who is responsible for political violence in Kaduna, the competing narratives should not be confused with established findings. The ADC itself has recently rejected the suggestion that it has a monopoly on political violence and accused unnamed opponents of introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process.

With the 2027 election campaign yet to fully commence, the increasingly combative language from ISA Ashiru and his supporters has raised concerns about the possibility of further confrontation.
The immediate challenge before the political parties, security agencies and community leaders is therefore to ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence, particularly in a state with Kaduna’s history of politically and communally sensitive conflicts.
As at the time of filling tid report the All progressive congress, APC , Kaduna state in a statement has condemned the attacks on its office and called for police investigation
Certainly. I’ll retain the substance of the report while correcting grammar, tightening the structure, and presenting it as a clean newspaper hard-news story.
Writing
APC Condemns Violent Attacks on Members, Party Offices in Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned alleged violent attacks on its members and the vandalisation of party offices and properties in the state.
The party also called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement, the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Sani Dan-Azare, alleged that some of the party’s members and supporters had been attacked, while some party and support-group offices were vandalised.
He also alleged that vehicles belonging to some party members were damaged during the incidents.
The APC described the attacks as unacceptable and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The party called on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that they should not resort to retaliation or take the law into their own hands.
The APC said it remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged all political actors in Kaduna State to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen security around party offices and other sensitive locations to prevent further incidents.