Osinbajo is in charge says Buhari as he shuns aides and ministers who visited him in London

President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly ordered some aides and minister seeking his approval on some files, asking them instead to meet with acting president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

The president who is on medical treatment in London duly handed over power to Osinbajo before he proceeded and has since maintained the standard protocol.

The Nation reports that some government officials had travelled to London to get the president’s approval but he had left them embarrassed insisting that all files be directed to Osinbajo for approval and possibly signed.

A top government source said: “Despite the fact that he is fast recuperating, the President has tried as much as possible to stick to one presidency.

“He has refused to see some government officials who went to London to see him instead of being at their desks to work. He also returned all files and documents to those who brought them to London.

“The President gave stern instructions that all files, documents and issues needing decisions should be taken to the Acting President. He does not want a divided government. Buhari is living up to his Spartan discipline.

“He has restricted audience to two or three personal aides with him in London. This is why there are no leaks associated with his first medical trip this time around.”

“Those involved in taking files and documents to London had their ego deflated. Since their return from the various shuttles, they have been trying to curry the favour of the Acting President or cooperate with him. They did not know that intelligence report had exposed their antics.

“And the truth is that the President has been speaking with the Acting President.”

Concerning the rumour that Aisha Buhari was not allowed to see the president when she travelled to London, the source said this wasn’t true, insisting the First Lady met with him.

“Any story to the contrary is false. There is enough evidence to prove that she met with her husband. No one prevented her.

“Some people came out with the rumour because the President has limited contact with them this time around because of leaks during his last trip.

“Some of those who visited the President during the initial shuttle for medical care turned out to feed Nigerians with false information on his health.

“It became necessary to restrict access to two of three aides. Not everyone with the President in London is allowed to see or meet with him. Ministers and government officials have been shut out too.

“The declaration of the First Lady that the President was pleased with the conduct and performance of the Acting President was at the prompting of her husband to checkmate those who indulge in flying to London for unnecessary consultations and approvals.”