The presidency has downplayed recent threats by opposition senators to begin impeachment proceedings against President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the move as a bluff and a waste of time.
Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said the impeachment ultimatum is “flippant” and lacks seriousness, particularly in the context of national security.
Adesina: “A Waste of Time”
“I think it was just bravado, and sadly, security is not something you subject to bravado,”Adesina stated.
“You don’t begin to issue flippant ultimatums in something that is a matter of life and death. They know in their heart of hearts that they cannot achieve what they are saying. They are just wasting the country’s time and the time of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.”
Adesina concluded by saying, “The minority will always have its say, while the majority will have its way.”
Garba Shehu: “Ridiculous Motion by the Opposition”
In a separate statement released Wednesday night, Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, labelled the impeachment threat as “performative” and “babyish,” commending Senate President Ahmad Lawan for refusing to entertain the motion.
“Rather than making a mockery out of voters by trying to imitate what they see in America, the opposition would be better advised to focus on the pressing issues Nigerians face — like the global cost of living crisis,” Shehu said.
He added that the Buhari administration continues to address security threats across the country and cited the recent rescue of Chibok girls as evidence of progress.
“These kinds of headline-grabbing stunts for which the opposition is now well known serve no one — least of all their constituents,” Shehu remarked.
Background: Senators Issue Six-Week Ultimatum
Earlier in the week, opposition lawmakers from various political parties staged a walkout during Senate plenary, protesting the government’s inability to effectively address the worsening security situation in the country.
The senators, led by Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda, issued a six-week ultimatum for the President to take decisive action or face impeachment proceedings.
Their walkout followed the Senate President’s refusal to consider their resolutions from a closed-door meeting.
What You Should Know
- The impeachment threats stem from rising insecurity across Nigeria, with growing criticism of the federal government’s response.
- Senate President Ahmad Lawan declined to entertain the opposition’s motion during plenary.
- The Presidency maintains that opposition senators are “playing to the gallery” instead of serving their constituents.
