Buhari is first President to handover power to his Vice - Senate Leader says

Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume has said President Muhammadu Buhari is the first Nigerian leader that would handover the mantle of power to his deputy before going on vacation.

While answering questions from State House correspondents after a meeting with acting President Yemi Osinbajo, he criticised former president Goodluck Jonathan for not delegating presidential powers to his deputy Namadi Sambo when he (Jonathan) travelled out the country.

Ndume led other senators, including Senators Dino Melaye and Adamu Abdulahi, to the Presidential Villa today, February 9.

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He dismissed insinuation that their visit to Osinbajo was about the trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

"This is not the first time we are coming here. But this is the first time we are having the Vice President as acting President. That is one of the reasons why we are here.

"This is because we are setting a new example. During the previous government, the President will just go and leave the place blank.

"But this time around when our President goes for a few days, he transmitted to all Nigerians that the Vice President is to act as the President.

"So, we came for the regular consultation. There is nothing new about it and we will be doing more of this", he said.

President Buhari proceeded on a five-day vacation On February 5, 2016, announcing that Osinbajo would perform his functions while he is away.