Buhari Will Not Resign, Says Presidency

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]espite calls by a band of protesters in Nigeria and London, President Muhammadu Buhari will continue in office as the president, according to presidency spokesperson Garba Shehu.

“Those making the calls 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 call for the President to resign or disclose 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 as required by the constitution and the vice president is carrying out 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 and people are looking for things to say. I think they should do their research very well.”

Dozens of protesters marched in heavy rain to the presidential villa in Abuja with banners urging the 74-year-old  president to resign.

“Resume or resign, Nigerians say enough is enough,” one said, with others stating: “If president Buhari cannot return to Nigeria after 90 days, then he should resign and go home”, and “Buhari, where are you? Nigerians want full disclosure. What is wrong with our president?”

The peaceful march was organised by a coalition of civil society groups under the supervision of security agents.

“We are here today because the president of Nigeria has absconded from duty,” said Deji Adeyanju, one of the organisers.

“He has not only absconded, he has continued to lie to us. This year alone the president has been away for 144 days.

“He was away for 52 days in January and he has been away again today for 92 consecutive days. This cannot continue.”