‘Your Protests Are Irrational, Buhari Won’t Resign’ – Presidency to Charly Boy and Others

‘Your Protests Are Irrational, Buhari Won’t Resign’ – Presidency to Charly Boy and Others

In response to protests led by singer and broadcaster, Charles Oputa, more commonly known as Charly Boy, and some other members of civil society on Monday, the presidency has dismissed calls for the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The protesters had marched through the streets of the nation’s capital, Abuja on Monday calling on the ailing president to either return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom, where he has been receiving treatment since May, to resume his duties or resign from office.

While dismissing the calls for his principal’s resignation, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity Mr Garba Shehu told newsmen that President Buhari had not breached any law.

“They are exercising their rights in line with the constitution of this country. Of what use or value is a democracy in which citizens cannot embark on peaceful protests? So we respect their right to convene or undertake in peaceful protest,” Garba said concerning the protests.

The presidential aide then added: “On the second issue, whether the President should resign or disclose or whatever, I think they are stepping outside the laws of this country.

“Anyone conversant with the constitution of this country will have noticed or seen that Mr President has complied 100 per cent with the requirements of the constitution..

“He has handed over power to the Vice President, relying on the constitution and the Vice President is carrying on with the affairs of this country; he is undertaking activities of government in line with the constitution in a way that the President himself has given words of commendation.”

The presidential spokesman would later describe the protests as an act of irrationality in a statement released to media houses. In a portion of the statement published by The Nation, Shehu said:

“There is nothing like a power vacuum in the country, given the competence and general harmony with which the whole government is running.

“Any such calls as being made by this or any other group represents an irrational assault on the constitution and should be ignored by well-meaning members of the public.