Ailing Nigerian President survives the emergency room swaggering

Out of action Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Abuja on Sunday from a 14-day emergency trip to London over his deteriorating health condition, bragging about his fitness.  Teasingly but in a more defensive tone, the 73-year-old neatly dressed chap looking pale and washed-out told reporters, “I’m ok. You can see me inspecting the guard of honor,” and further in the local Hausa language, added: “I’m strong, if you want to wrestle with me, let’s wrestle.” So what is funny?

Severe health issues had grounded President Buhari for about two weeks before he was rushed out to London for an emergency treatment. He was perceived to be suffering a hearing loss with possibly a ruptured ear drum. The presidency said Buhari went to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist in the British capital as a precautionary measure, but critics countered that such conditions should not have required an oversea treatment. Buhari was initially expected back in Nigeria on Thursday, but fresh concern about his health woes prompted a delayed return.

The puzzle surrounding Bihari’s has remained unresolved, with speculations swirling for months about severity of the diagnosis. In the past month or so, Nigerians have been vocal expressing concerns about President Buhari’s appearances. As he inspected his so called guard of honor yesterday, he struggled with his steps and composure to fake an impeccable fitness; his weakening vigor exposed a gangling body frame enclosed in an oversized traditional outfit to possibly cover up revealing skeletal contours. Yet President Buhari in total disregard of his constituents, did not address his 14-day emergency exit. He snubbed discussions on why he was specifically rushed out, where he was rushed to and more significantly, his medical diagnosis, and the health facility he dwelled.

Prior to President Buhari’s unexpected departure, the media adviser, Femi Adesina had fabricated lies to the nation just to suppress his deteriorating health. When hours later, the news of Buhari’s worsening health broke out, Adesina quickly issued a release admitting that the President was indeed sick and would  be flown out for medical treatment.

President Buhari and his aides in Aso Rock must not feel bad about his poor health condition. Being sick or falling sick in office is not a violation of the law, but an unfortunate condition allowed in the labor system. However, as the president, his constituents have the right to know exactly what is wrong with his health; where he was admitted, and the progress of his ailment. But here we are, stuck with an arrogant leader who makes multiple trips abroad over unexplained health matters, and blaming his constituents for asking questions.

For clarity, people who survive sickbeds do not swagger toughness, they thank Allah for survival. And also, this claim that some Nigerians want their President dead because they simply questioned his physical and mental capacity to lead is ridiculous. I must tell you that Nigerians, despite their poor social, political, and economic conditions, are prayerful people who at all times pray for their dear country and some incompatibly, irresponsible leaders. They do not want President Buhari dead; they are only invoking a divine intervention of a leadership suit occupied by clueless individuals unable to move their country forward. They are lamenting an ineffectual but sick president occupying an executive office beyond his physical and knowledge capacity. In the past, more than once, poor Nigerian masses have equally made such requests, and God responded. This time around, only time will tell.

Dr. Ogbo, author of Governance Buhari’s Way  is the publisher of Houston-based International Guardian.