PDP insists presidency reveals details of Buhari's forthcoming extended trip to the UK

NIGERIA'S opposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted that the presidency should make public all issues relating to the planned so-called private visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the UK later this month.

Last month, it was announced that President Buhari will visit London for the Commonwealth Summit but will then spend a few weeks in the UK, presumably for medical treatment. Since assuming office in 2015, President Buhari has had two lengthy spells in the UK, during which he handed over the reins of power to vice president Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Today, the PDP queried the Presidency for always shrouding issues around the president in secrecy, pointedly demanded a full disclosure on the scope, purpose, direct destination, duration as well as the cost and source of the funding for this undisclosed tourism. PDP publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan said President Buhari is not a private citizen and cannot embark on private trips, wrapped in secrecy, since his upkeep draws directly from national resources and taxpayers’ money.

He added: “While the PDP has nothing against Mr President embarking on any trip, we insist that as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there must be full disclosures to Nigerians because the citizens deserve to know the purpose of the visit and the cost on the nation. We know that Mr. President is billed to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled to take place between April 16 and 20 but Nigerians are wondering why he is taking off to an undisclosed destination in London two clear weeks ahead.

“We ask, is President Buhari and his handlers hiding anything from Nigerians so much so that they cannot disclose the reason and duration of the so-called private visit? Nigerians are invited to note that this secret visit has a departure date but silent on the purpose, date and place of arrival."

President Buhari leaves for the UK on Monday April 9 but it is unclear how long he will be away for or when he will return. According to the PDP, today, Nigeria's economy is haemorrhaging and her citizens are languishing because of the continued lack of accountability and total incompetence of the Buhari-led administration.

Mr Ologbondiyan added: “The PDP insists that public officers at all levels, particularly the occupier of the office of the president, must be accountable, transparent and answerable in all their dealings at all times, especially under an administration that claims zero tolerance for corruption.”