- A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, is seeking to ascertain the legality of President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent private trip to the UK
- Effiong wants the court to declare an order restraining President Buhari from going on vacations whether within or outside the country without transmitting a letter to the national assembly
A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has instituted a legal action against President Muhammadu Buhari over the president’s recent private visit to London.
In the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday, May 9, the lawyer is seeking to ascertain whether the president can validly proceed on a vacation without handing over power to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo through a written declaration to the president of the Senate and speaker of the house of representatives, Premium Times report.
READ ALSO: Heavily armed security men reportedly deployed to Emir Sanusi’s palace
Effiong is also seeking among others, a court order restraining Buhari from going on vacations whether within or outside the country without transmitting a letter to the national assembly.
“A declaration that the failure of the 1st defendant (Buhari) to comply with Section 145 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) by not transmitting a written declaration to the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to that effect before proceeding on vacation to the United Kingdom from the 25th day of April, 2019 to the 5th day of May, 2019 is a gross violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the suit read in part.
PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news update
The lawyer asked the court to rule that except when he is outside the country on official diplomatic engagements the president cannot exercise presidential authority over the affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the United Kingdom, or any other country outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Federal Republic of Nigeria since the constitution does not have extra-territorial application. Legit.ng learned that the Federal High Court has not yet fixed any date for the hearing of the suit.
Legit.ng had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari declined comment on reports over the reshuffling of his cabinet members shortely after his arrival from the UK.
The president while fielding questions from journalists upon his return from London after a 10-day visit said: “I won’t tell you" when inquiries were made on his cabinet.
Also speaking on the rising banditry and activities of kidnappers across various states in Nigeria, President Buhari said he noticed the acting inspector general of police, Mohammed Adamu was losing some weight, which implies he is working.
NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service!
Nigerians set 2nd term agenda for President Buhari | Legit TV
Source: Legit
