A group of eminent Nigerians led by two former Nigerian leaders, Yakubu Gowon and Shehu Shagari, the group, called the Eminent Elders group said, “It is important to resolve this issue by inviting the president to formally issue the necessary communication that will enable the vice president to be Acting President in accordance with section 145 of the 1999 constitution as soon as possible.”
After a meeting held at the parliament building of the Economic Community of West African States, Asokoro, Abuja, on Tuesday night, the group said it is very important that Mr. Yar’Adua complies with section 145 of the Constitution which requires that he transmits a letter informing the senate that he is on vacation thereby enabling Mr. Jonathan to act in his stead while he is away.
The meeting which was chaired by Mr. Gowon, a former head of state, comprised past presidents and heads of state, former chief justices, ministers and permanent secretaries. A former president, Mr. Shagari led the delegation that went round to deliver the letters containing the resolutions of the group.
The resolution, which is coming 24 hours after the Senate adopted a motion to “urge” the president to comply with the same section of the constitution, is the result of a meeting the group held on Tuesday night.
According to the letter, “This illness and long absence from the country is causing serious concern not only to Nigerian citizens but to all those who have business with Nigeria and have the well being of the country at heart,”
The letters were delivered yesterday to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate President and the Vice President, in brown envelopes.
President Yar’Adua has been out of the country for the past 67 days for treatment in Saudi Arabia but his refusal to write the critical letter to the Senate that will allow the Vice President to legally act in his stead has generated so much tension in the polity.
Source: 234next
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