Umar Sani, a former senior special assistant to ex-vice president Namadi Sambo, has spoken about the alleged crises rucking the Aso Rock, Abuja, saying there is no smoke without fire.
It was learnt that there was feud between Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and President Muhammadu Buhari, leading to the termination of appointment of the VP’s aide.
Sani while speaking about the development said some of the events that unfolded in the last few days pointed to the fact that Osinbajo has been cowed by some powerful people in the Aso Villa.
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He said the sudden removal of some of the statutory duties initially being carried out by Osinbajo and later removed was an indication that all is not well between the president and his deputy.
According to him, “The special investigation panel on the recovery of public assets which was under the VP’s office was dissolved and taken away from him and the duties reassigned to the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development.
“The event by the Oni of Ife where the minister of interior had to represent Mr President in a programme where the VP is there in person in his own capacity speaks volumes.”
The former presidential aide also noted that the fact that a bill was taken to the United Kingdom for the president’s assent and an approval obtained to dismiss 35 staff in the office of the VP all attested to two things – “there will no longer be an acting president neither will there be any representation at any public function by the VP.
“The reduction in his office staff strength simply means no additional duties will be assigned to him. Therefore, by this token, one can safely say the VP has been emasculated and is been relegated to the background. He has been reduced to functions only within the precincts of his office and left to conduct his official and statutory duties.”