Presidency speaks, mocks as alleged PDP sponsored protest against Buhari failed in London

*Says protesters back home step out of law demanding President’s resignation

…Hope rises on Buhari’s return as wife returns to London

By Kemi Kasumu, General Editor

“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, undertaking activities of government in line with the constitution in a way that the president himself has given words of commendation.”

The Nigerian presidency has said the planned protest against Muhammadu Buhari’s stay outside the country flopped on Monday, August 7, 2017 in London.

With photographs to confirm that the planned version of the protest in London failed, Lauretta Onochie, an aide to President Buhari said only four people turned up.

Onochie alleged that the protest might have been planned by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since it has the participation of Deji Adeyanju.

“Today’s Deji Adeyanju-led PDP-sponsored protest at Abuja House London. Four people turned up.

“Neighbours called the police. As they had no Police Permit to hold a rally. They took to their heels.

“One of them said he had no money to pay his way back home. Our man who was on hand to monitor the situation, gave him £5. He was happy and went home.

“Shame on insensitive PDP. Shame on them.

“Thank you Nigerians for your love and prayers for our President, Muhammadu Buhari, the nightmare of corrupt people,” Onochie said in a social media post.

In the meantime, at the home front, Presidency also said that President Muhammadu Buhari would not resign because he had not breached any law by staying in London for over 90 days.

…Buhari has breached no law, he won’t resign – Shehu

Speaking in an interview with State House reporters, President Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said those calling for the president’s resignation were stepping out of the laws of the land.

Shehu was reacting to protest in Abuja by a coalition of civil society groups against the president’s continued stay in the United Kingdom.

He said the protest was baseless because Buhari handed over power to his deputy, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and wrote the National Assembly.

His words: “They (protesters) 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.”

He however did not approve of the other demand for the President’s resignation saying, “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 Pres ident 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, 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 people are looking for things to say, I think they should do their research very well”, the presidential spokesman said.

…Aisha goes back to UK as Nigerians expect Buhari’s return

The wife of the president, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has gone back to the United Kingdom where her husband is on medical vacation.

Staff of the Office of the Wife of the President reportedly confirmed on Monday that Mrs Buhari left for the UK on Sunday.

Mrs Buhari had last Thursday returned from London and proceeded to Owerri, the capital of Imo State, where she attended the 2017 August Meeting hosted by women in the state.

Some of her staff hinted that there was possibility that she would return to Nigeria with her husband at a time yet to be officially confirmed.

President Buhari departed for the United Kingdom on May 7 for follow-up consultations with his doctors.

He had assured that he was making progress and would return to Nigeria to resume his duties as soon as his doctors advise.