Popular
public commentator, Femi Falana has analysed the legal web surrounding
President Buhari's indefinite sick leave cum vacation in the United
Kingdom.
Femi Falana
A renowned lawyer and senior advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana has
condemned President Muhammadu Buhari for not fully disclosing the status
of his health to Nigerians.
Falana said Nigerians have the right to know the health status of a
sitting president. Speaking on a Channel television’s programme, Falana
said even if the law does not mandate the president to make such
disclosures, Nigerians deserve to know his health status for the purpose
of accountability.
“Under the Freedom of Information Act, the right to health is
supposed to be shrouded in secrecy but I am saying now that henceforth,
this situation calls for a review of the law so that we won’t be left
guessing next time,” Falana said.
“We are talking of the President. Many state governors go in
and out of the country, some for a month or two, some for three months
without anybody asking any question and without any handover to their
deputies,” he said.
The senior lawyer said the system has been structured in a manner
that a public office holder does not have to be secretive about issues
concerning him.
Falana said: “But I am saying that with what we are going
through now, we must come to appreciate that if you are going into
public office, you have no secrecy.”
“It is our duty and right and the President took cognizance of
that last year when he disclosed to Nigerians what he was going abroad
for. This year should not be an exception.
“This is what has given room to a lot of rumours and speculation which are totally uncalled for,” he said.
President Muhammadu Buhari had written to the Senate to extend his
initial 10-days’ vacation. However, the president’s letter has raised
controversies with Nigerians calling for a total disclosure of the
Buhari present health status
Meanwhile, the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has assumed duty as the Acting President of Nigeria.
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