Human Rights lawyer takes Buhari to court over appointment of new IGP

A Human Rights lawyer has said the recent appointment of a new Inspector-General of Police is unconstitutional. Lawyer Ayo Ademiluyi said the President's authorization of the Acting IGP from overseas violates Section 145(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a statement, lawyer Ademiluyi said he will challenge Buhari's action in court.

He noted that as President Buhari is overseas on medical treatment, he is precluded from acting as the President of Nigeria on vacation.

The human rights lawyer said, “I am seized of the purported appointment of a new Acting Inspector-General of Police by Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retired) in the person of Usman Alkali Baba from his sickbed in London in the purported capacity of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I have stated in earlier written opinions clearly that Buhari, having failed, refused and neglected to transfer power to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has no power in law to rule from anywhere at such a time as this when he is on vacation, non-official foreign trips or ‘private visit’.

“I have also argued that Buhari having failed, refused and neglected to comply with Section 145(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is precluded from acting as the President of Nigeria on vacation.

“I also assert that he cannot validly exercise Presidential powers from abroad having failed to do the same.

“I hereby assert that in the present circumstances where Buhari from overseas is purporting to appoint an Acting Inspector General of Police is tantamount to unlawful exercise of power as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The said purported action amounts to a nullity, sheer waste of time and zero at the centre of nothing. I hereby give notice that the purported appointment of the Acting Inspector General of Police will be challenged in a court of competent jurisdiction.”