President Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to the United Kingdom has continued to generate more reactions from individuals and groups in the country.
One of the latest is a debate by two legal practitioners who appeared on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday.
Mr Emmanuel Anene and Mr Daniel Bwala gave contrary opinions regarding the President’s trip and its impact.
READ ALSO: PDP, Presidency Disagree Over Buhari’s UK Trip
Anene believes the visit has left a vacuum in governance, adding that it will have an effect on the nation.
“It’s about the certainty of the process,” he said. “What we are operating is an analogue system and believe me, that governance will suffer within these 10 days if Mr. President comes back within the 10 days.”
The lawyer added, “If Mr. President does not come back within the 10 days, then we are in for another Constitutional crisis.”
In view of this, Anene called for what he described as a brand new constitution for the nation.
On the other hand, Mr Bwala who is also a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the President.
According to him, presidential functions cannot be determined by geographical location as ministers can be directed to carry out governmental roles.
The lawyer said, “It’s a misconception people have and that is why anytime the President is out of the country, they say governance is down as if the President is involved in some mundane activities.”
He argued that while the President must carry out his duties by himself, he can assign certain responsibilities to the vice president and other members of his cabinet.
“And so, geography is not a yardstick for determining the functions of the President, whether he is in England or America,” Bwala stated.
President Buhari had embarked on a private visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday last week.
Amid controversy trailing the visit that it was for medical purpose, the President’s media adviser, Mr Femi Adesina, said, “When a man goes on a private trip, he has the right to use his time the way he deems because he has the right to private time.”