PRESIDENT’S MEDICAL TRIP: Falana Backs Buhari, Knocks Fayose

Femi Falana (SAN)

SENIOR Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana has commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s official leave for a medical trip to the United Kingdom describing it as normal and a conventional norm in any society.

According to Falana in his interview with the Daily Sun, the president should be commended for being honest and taking appropriate actions by handing over to the Vice President in line with the law rather than witch-hunting him adding that  Buhari is entitled to a month annual leave as a President of Nigeria.

“He has taken the appropriate action by asking for leave and handing over to the vice president as required by law.

“Unlike a governor, who abandoned his duty post in solidarity with striking workers, without handover to his deputy. If I were the president, I would take a month, because he is entitled to one month leave in a year.

“It is normal. Even General (Ibrahim) Babangida, as a young man and military president went away for over a month. It is not unusual because he is not a stone. You can appreciate President Buhari for being honest about it.

“Anybody can fall sick but, the most important thing for somebody like him to do is hand over to his deputy so that the nation or state will not suffer, which he has done. That’s all”, Falana reportedly said.

It will be recalled that immediately President Buhari embarked on the 10-day leave to enable him undergo a medical treatment over ear infection in London which according to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina was recurring ear infections leading to the referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist hospital in London, the announcement was however greeted with criticisms in diverse quarters.  

Among personalities that frowned at the development were immediate past national president of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and Vice President Commonwealth Medical Association, Osahon Enabulele, who reportedly described it as “a national shame” and said it was an ailment that could be treated in Nigeria. Ekiti State governor in his usual manner condemned the President’s trip abroad and described it as a sign of incapacitation of the President.