Controversy over 'Buhari's proclamation letter for inauguration of 9th Assembly'

A letter purportedly from President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly has caused confusion, particularly over its authenticity.

In the letter, Mr Buhari purportedly exercised his power of proclamation for the National Assembly to hold its first session.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier published an explainer on the president’s power as contained 64(3) of the constitution.

In the letter, Mr Buhari proclaimed that the 9th Senate and House of Representatives should hold their first sessions on June 11.

“WHERE AS IT IS PROVIDED IN SECTION 64(3) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 1999 (AS AMENDED) THAT THE PERSON ELECTED AS PRESIDENT SHALL HAVE the POWER TO ISSUE A PROCLAMATION FOR THE HOLDING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IMMEDIATELY AFTER HIS BEING SWORN-IN.

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT. COMMANDER-lN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA IN EXERCISE OF THE POWERS BESTOWED UPON ME BY SECTION 64(3) AFORESAID AND OF ALL OTHER POWERS ENABLING ME IN THAT BEHALF. HEREBY PROCLAIM THAT THE FIRST SESSION OF THE NINTH (9th) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SHALL HOLD AT 10:00 AM ON TUESDAY 11th JUNE, 2019. IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ABUJA,” the letter reads.

The letter dated May 30 emanated from social media groups of National Assembly reporters.

Confusion

However, the manner at which the letter emerged and some omissions have got journalists raising eyebrows.

The letter was not addressed to any official of the National Assembly. The space for addressee was left blank.

Under normal circumstances, such a letter should be addressed to Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori.

Also, Mr Buhari was not in Nigeria the day the letter was purportedly signed May 30. He was in Saudi Arabia for a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC).

Presidency yet to react

When contacted, Mr Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, said he was
“on an appointment outside the country.”

Mr Buhari’s other spokesperson, Femi Adesina, did not answer calls.

The known line of Ita Enang, special assistant to Mr Buhari on National Assembly matters, were also switched off.

Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility

Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.

For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.

By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.

Kemi Busari

Kemi Busari is a senior reporter covering the Nigerian Senate for PREMIUM TIMES. He has interest in human rights and has won awards for his works, including the Hans Verploeg Award and the PwC Business reporting award. Twitter: @kemi_busari

DOWNLOAD THE PREMIUM TIMES MOBILE APP

Now available on

All rights reserved. This material and any other material on this platform may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, written or distributed in full or in part, without written permission from PREMIUM TIMES.