The Senator, representing Abia North in the National Assembly, Mao Ohuabunwa on Tuesday picked holes with wordings of the letter President Buhari sent to the senate appointing Prof Yemi Osinbajo acting President while on medical holiday in the United Kingdom.
It will be recalled that before leaving the country on Sunday night, President Buhari sent a letter to both chambers of the house notifying them of his movement and the fact that the Vice President will cordinate the affairs of the Country.
The letter was read on the floor of the senate on Tuesday by senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Part of letter read, “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 doctors’ advice.”
“While I am away, the vice-president will coordinate the activities of the government.”
Responding to the letter, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, citing section 145 of the constitution, said for the sake of clarity, the letter should be sent back to the president.
He argued that there was no word like coordinating president or vice-president in the constitution.
“I come with a constitutional point of order arising from the letter you just read from the president,” he said.
“Mr President I don’t think in our constitution we have anything like coordinating president of vice-president, it’s either you are a vice-president or you are acting president.
“Any letter should be unambiguous and very clear, so I’m saying that this letter really does not convey anything because coordinating has no place in our constitution. We having been having letters like this, you tell us he is the acting president so we know who to deal with as a senate.
“I am saying that this letter for me is not right and maybe it should be sent back.”
Senator Ohuabunwa was, however, ruled out of order by the Senate President after the senate leader, Ahmed Lawan, argued that the wording of the letter was irrelevant because Buhari had done what was required of him by the constitution.