Paul Ibe, media aide to African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has called on the National Assembly to consider impeaching President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his prolonged absence from Nigeria.
Ibe made the call while questioning the constitutional implications of Tinubu’s extended stay abroad and demanding clarification on who is currently exercising presidential powers.
He argued that the President’s absence beyond the period initially announced for his vacation raises concerns about compliance with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the transfer of presidential functions when the President is away.
Ibe urged the National Assembly to scrutinise the circumstances surrounding the President’s absence and determine whether constitutional requirements had been followed.
In an interview on News Central TV, Ibe said: “The National Assembly should initiate impeachment procedures against the president, he should be impeached for going contrary to the constitution.
“Section 151 says ‘whenever the president is proceeding on vacation,’ not working vacation because there is no provision for working vacation, that’s an afterthought because they are trying to be smart.
“Or is otherwise unable to discharge the duties of his office, he shall transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“So the question is, was this letter transmitted to the National Assembly? And I think as citizens we should know, if he didn’t he has stayed beyond 21 days, today is the 23rd day and he is not coming back until the weekend according to the presidency.”
His comments came amid a wider political debate over Tinubu’s extended overseas stay, with opposition figures demanding greater clarity on the exercise of executive powers.
The Presidency and other government officials have maintained that Tinubu remains in charge and continues to direct government affairs while abroad.
Leave feedback about this