Politics

Yar’Adua’s Absence And Issues Of Constitution

Published

15 years ago

January 16, 2010

On November 23, 2009, President Umaru Musa yar’Adua was flown to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. It is now over 50 days and the President has not yet returned or written to the National Assembly in accordance with the constitution.

The President long absence has been attributable to the nature of his ill-health. In his physician’s statement, President Yar’Adua suffered from acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the linning surrounding the heart.

The long absence of the President has apparently heightened the apprehensions of Nigerians over the nation’s political direction and foreign policy especially in the face of united States listing Nigeria on a terriorist watch.

The unending debate over the appropriate procedure to be followed by the President before travelling out for medical treatment has remained unabated with Nigerians having divergent opinions.

Going by the 1999 constitution, the President has the obligation to write to the National Assembly for official leave, thus empowering the vice President to act pending full recuperation.

But the President has not done that resulting in different political permutations.

This flaw has given room to various political groups and eminent citizens calling for strict adherent to the provisions of the constitution. A group of legal practitioners under the auspices of lawyers of conscience have given the President till January 31 to resign or be removed by the National Assembly failing which Nigerians will be mobilized by the group to take their destiny into their hands by any legitimate means possible.

As ministers in the temple of Justice, they have a statutory obligation to critically examine the provisions of the relevant sections 144 and 146 of the 1999 constitution objectively rather than mere statement of sentiment considered on the premises of heating the polity.

But the lawyers of conscience must agree that one of the major constitutional problems of this country is the noticeable lacuna in the 1999 constitution. These Lacuna no doubt urgently needs amendment. That is why Nigerians must support the National Assembly to expedite action on the constitutional amendment process in order to address these inadequacies and Lacuna.

We shared in the view of the lawyers that Nigeria cannot be greping in the dark without effective political leader for the past one and half month. But as Nigerians, we need to collectively prays for the quick recuperation of the President and for him to return home and direct the affairs of the country.

However, it is important to evaluate the application of sections 144 and 146 of the 1999 constitution vis-a vis the illness of the President. Section 144 (1) states that the President or Vice president shall cease to hold office if by a resolution passed by two-third majority of all the members of the Executive Council of the federation it is declared that the President or Vice President is incapable of discharging the functions of his office. Section 144 (1) (b) says the declaration is verified after such medical examination as may be necessary by a medical panel established under subsection (4) of this section in its report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The medical panel to which this section relates shall be appointed by the President of the Senate and shall comprise five medical practitioners one of whom shall be the personal physician of the holder of the office of the president or Vice President.

While section 146 (1) states that the Vice president shall hold the office of President if the office of President become vacant by reason of death or resignation, impeachment permanently incapacitate or the removal of the president from office for any other reason in accordance with the relevant provisions of the constitution.

However, the pertinent question is has president Yar’Adua be found incapacitated to perform his official duties due to his illness and long absence?, Is there any laid down certification of his medical incapability to perform the functions of the office of the President? Has any Panel of medical Practitioners certified the President incapable.

Nigerians must collectively pray for good health and survival of President Yar’Adua but there is need to rise to the challenge of truly ascertaining the exact state of the President’s health.

When the true state of the President’s health is ascertain of being permanently incapable, then the vice president can assume the position of Acting President rather than some of the nation’s eminent leaders organizing rally over health matter of our President The 1999 constitution should moderate. Our collective conduct towards moving our nation forbard.

Philip-WuWu Okparaji

Politics

Gov Alia Appoints TuFace As Adviser

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2025

The Tide

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”

Politics

Oborevwori, Okowa Dump PDP For APC

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2025

The Tide

Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Politics

Speakers Conference Tasks FG, Governors On Wanton Killings

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2025

The Tide

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.