The House of Representatives yesterday passed for second reading a bill which seeks to amend section 145 of the 1999 constitution with a view for the Vice President to automatically assume duty when the President is absent for 21 days.

This is coming against the backdrop of the controversy that trails President Umaru Yar'adua's prolonged absence from the country occasioned by his medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

The bill, sponsored by Rep Abdulrahman Suleiman Kawu (ANPP, Kano State), was unanimously adopted after a short debate, and was referred to the House ad-hoc committee on the review of the constitution.

The bill is titled, "a bill for an act to amend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Cap 23 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to make provision for the Vice President and Deputy Governor to assume and discharge the functions of the President/Governor during their absence or temporary incapacity and for matters connected therewith 2010".

It said "where the president neglects to transmit to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration of his absence under any circumstances for a continued period of not more than 21 days, or otherwise not be able to discharge the functions of his office for a continuous period of not more than 21 days for whatever reason called, the Vice President shall assume and discharge the functions of the President as Acting President."

He said Section 145 as it were, left the National Assembly with no option than to intervene or compel the President to transmit a written declaration when he is on vacation.