Laolu Akande: To say Buhari is teleguiding Osinbajo is mischievous

Laolu Akande, presidential spokesman, has described as “mischievous” reports that President Muhammadu Buhari is teleguiding Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

Responding to a question from TheCable on a widely circulated report alleging that a cabal was holding Osinbajo back from exercising presidential powers, Akande said such speculation was “curious”.

“Acting President Osinbajo has the full authority and as you can see he is wielding it as and when due,” he said.

“He is free of any hindrance and the president made it clear in word and deed that the acting president is fully in charge. That is why Mr. President did the right thing by transferring power constitutionally. All presidential aides report to the acting president.”

He described the report as a “distraction”.

“The acting president is signing executive orders, signing bills into law, making appointments, swearing in ministers and permanent secretaries and assigning them portfolios. He takes his constitutional roles seriously as he has always done and will always do whether as acting president or vice-president,” Akande told TheCable.

It was alleged that Osinbajo had to travel to London, where Buhari is currently on medical vacation, to get approvals for some decisions.

“Interpreting reasonable and regular communication between the acting president and the president as teleguiding of one by the other is simply curious in the least or perhaps pure mischief,” he said.

“These two gentlemen have always worked together as a team and will continue to do so.”

Buhari has been on medical leave since May 7 and there is yet no date on when he would return.