Protesters are exercising their rights ―Presidency

THE Presidency has reacted to the “Resume or Resign” protest that occurred in Abuja on Monday against President Muhammadu’s Buhari’s continued absence from the country, saying that while the protesters were exercising their rights in a democracy, the president has not violated the constitution.

Senior Special Assistant to the president on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, told State House correspondents on Monday that those who were asking the president to resign after being away from the country for 91 days as at Monday, should do more research on the provisions of the law.

He affirmed that Buhari properly handed over power for Acting President Yemi Osinbajo who he said was carrying out his responsibilities to the delight of the president.

Shehu stated: “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 peaceful protest.

“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 percent with the requirements of the constitution of this country.

“He has handed over power to the Vice President relying on the constitution and the Vice President is carrying out 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.

“So, the president has not breached any law.  What he has done is perfectly in line with the constitution of this country and if people are looking for things to say, I think they should do their research very well.”

In a statement released later, the presidential aide assured that government was focused and would not be distracted.

He pointed out that there was no vacuum in governance even with Buhari’s absence.

Shehu added: “I wish to respond to media enquiries following demonstration by a few citizens this morning in Abuja. The demonstration is in the exercise of their freedom under the constitution, which guarantees their right to embark on peaceful protests.

“So long as they remain peaceful, we have no problem with them.  What is democracy if citizens can’t peacefully demonstrate?

“On the second issue, demanding the President’s return, or resignation or certain explanations, I would say that they have over-stepped their bounds.

“The President has complied 100 percent with the constitution by handing over power with the Vice-President before proceeding on his vacation.  He has not breached any law or the constitution by staying away from office to take care of his health.

“Equally, 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 represent an irrational assault on the constitution and should be ignored by well-meaning members of the public.

“The need of the hour for this country is to rid it of corruption, reform and reinvigorate the economy and to fight crime and insurgency.

“The government is busy with the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure all over the country.  It is creating jobs for the unemployed.

“It has set its sights on the larger picture of the country’s development; investing in rail and power projects and redeeming the country’s image from the mountains of corruption scandals that have marred it. We will not, therefore, be distracted by this or any other groups.”