House Names Saudi Delegation But Silent On Departure Date, Etc

Abuja Jan 21, (THEWILL) – The leadership of the House of Representatives finally succumbed to pressures exerted on it by legislators who are displeased with President Umaru Yar’Adua’s long absence and refusal to write the National Assembly on the issue to enable the Vice President assume presidential powers.

House Speaker Dimeji Bankole released the identity of a six-man team who will embark on a mission to Saudi Arabia to find out the true state of the President’s health.

The team would be led by Deputy House Leader, Mr. Baba Shehu Agaei (Northcentral); Minority Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndune (Northeast); Nnena Ukeje (Southeast); Jubrin Adamu (Northwest); Fatai Morouf (Southwest); and Patrick Ikhariahle (Southsouth).

Curiously, no vocal member of the House made the list and no further details were given about the trip in terms of date of departure, duration of trip and when the team is expected to deliver its report.

Some members of the House had vowed to disrupt proceedings in the House if its leadership failed to abide by the three-point resolution agreed to last week when it met behind closed door to deliberate on the President’s state of health and absence.

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has been away from Nigeria for about 57 days without any formal explanation to the National Assembly and Nigerians. His absence has continued to stall government business.

There have been calls to have him transfer power to the Vice President, but so far he has refused to do so.

Vice President, Mr. Goodluck Jonathan is presently exercising limited presidential powers and can not be acting president until the President writes the National Assembly.