Femi Falana warns against proposed May 28 handover

The recent announcement by the federal government changing the date on which incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan would handover power to Muhammadu Buhari has received knocks from veteran lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN.

The erudite lawyer faulted the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to hand over on May 28, explaining that the country would be without a leader for a few hours before the All Progressives Congress candidate is sworn into power.

His assertion comes on the heels of the disclosure by the Minister of Information, Mrs. Patricia Akwashiki that the incumbent would formally handover to his successor, Muhammadu Buhari on May 28 at a meeting with members of Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Akwashiki further added that all ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, of the federal government were to submit their handover briefs to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, on or before April 20.

Mr. Falana explained that the May 28 handover date preferred by Jonathan was an outright deviation from the law.

According to him; “As far as the law is concerned, President Jonathan is in charge of the country until May 29. He cannot cut short his presidency in the name of handing over the day before at a dinner, as there is no provision for a vacuum.

“He is the president till the morning of May 29 when Buhari takes the oath of office. There is no provision for a vacuum of eight or nine hours, and I am sure the president will be properly advised,” Falana stated.

Credit: thescoopng