Mr President, It's Time To Let Go
I have watched closely as the business of governance calls and the demands of politics exert. I have observed as the president responds to these issues with all the pressures they confer. He has tried to assert the needed muscle, yet it seems his efforts just seem to be on a harmonic swing.
Critically, I have looked and have assumed that surrounded with hordes of pressures -economical, political, psychological and ethical, his spirit feeds him with a willingness to weigh in on them but his body appears weaker and even weaker.
The chief concern of most Nigerians as at the time President Muhammadu Buhari sought for our presidential mandate was his age. At 72, many had considered the man too old, too analogous and lacking the requisite strength for the onerous task of modern day government. But the Buhari we have now is entirely a different person; he's not only getting older -which wouldn't have been such a serious issue- but he is challenged health-wise and such a pathetic effect.
The focus, however, would not be on his sickness nor on his vulnerability to it. Rather it is on the pressures of both age and a recurring health challenge that makes the process of governance even more daunting and challenging to him.
We have seen how that it is a near-impossibility for a sick president to effectively run the affairs of government; it was no surprise that when the president was on medical vacation in the UK, the functions of government were reduced to a scenario of 'acting' where the vice president or the acting president couldn't act beyond what his fears and hesitations suggested as bounds.
The focus, however, would not be on his sickness nor on his vulnerability to it. Rather it is on the pressures of both age and a recurring health challenge that makes the process of governance even more daunting and challenging to him.
We have seen how that it is a near-impossibility for a sick president to effectively run the affairs of government; it was no surprise that when the president was on medical vacation in the UK, the functions of government were reduced to a scenario of 'acting' where the vice president or the acting president couldn't act beyond what his fears and hesitations suggested as bounds.
It is very obvious Nigerians prefer a proper president with the wholesomeness of executive power to meet their needs as they come. But it is unfortunate that with the present demeanor of the President, we might linger in hope as the process of governance is foot dragged. The president had informed of how he himself was baffled at the sickness that kept him in limbo for over 50 days. A logical suggestion that he'd be on routine check ups, which he deserves. Should we continue the skipping game?
We now know, because we've been given an idea, how the business of governance will suffer when it becomes norm that baton would, more often than not, be exchanged between a 'proper' president with full powers and an 'acting' president, who is obviously on restraint.
If the truth be told in one audible split of sound, it is that it's high time the president stepped aside, for very much his personal good and the good of all Nigerians. This is because the assertion of his health condition is that Buhari resigns, retires to his home and give himself the ample time to recuperate, free from the hassles and worries of governance and politics.
If the truth be told in one audible split of sound, it is that it's high time the president stepped aside, for very much his personal good and the good of all Nigerians. This is because the assertion of his health condition is that Buhari resigns, retires to his home and give himself the ample time to recuperate, free from the hassles and worries of governance and politics.
Pioneering the affairs of a nation is a great task, never mind that of a country like Nigeria with all its complexities. This is what Buhari lacks in the weakness and senility he's been boxed into by his illness. However one thing remains that in this same Nigeria are capable hands that would suggest that the exit of one person would not be such an apprehension of a lacuna in effective leadership.
For few period, though with restrained powers, we've seen how Buhari has in his vice, Yemi Osinbajo, a worthy and capable hand. He can seamlessly, and as constitution demands, transfer power to him. And what... He wouldn't be just a respected statesman but his name would have been engraved in history as one of the heroes of the time.
For few period, though with restrained powers, we've seen how Buhari has in his vice, Yemi Osinbajo, a worthy and capable hand. He can seamlessly, and as constitution demands, transfer power to him. And what... He wouldn't be just a respected statesman but his name would have been engraved in history as one of the heroes of the time.
A call for continuity, at this time, could only be from sycophants, praise-singers and worms, who just want him for his meeting their purpose, for the reason of what they can get from hanging on the back of a Buhari, who does himself no good, clinging to the presidency with all the heats and stress.
What serves Mr President earnestly well, at this point of his debilitating health and which is the most conscionable thing to do, is to just let go; of the pressures, the ruckus that only worsen the situation. Yes, no matter how difficult or alien it is, just let go.
For all of us who love Buhari and wish for his good, that would be our honest call to a man we saw as fitted and willing to salvage Nigeria of her delirium but who the reality of nature in age and deteriorating health seems to cudgel.
ONE DEAD, 2 MISSING AS YOUTHS INVADE PDP CAMPAIGN TRAIN IN JOS
ReplyDelete2 persons who are ardent supporter of the People's Democratic Party PDP Mr Okoduwa Jonathan and Kioben Anthony are missing, while Mr Job Anta has been reported killed following the attack on Saturday January 10, 2015 on the campaign train of the PDP by thugs perceived to be loyal to the All Progressive Congress APC in Jos, the Plateau state capital.
Some angry youths had gathered at Zololu junction, Bauchi road in Jos, at about 1pm and set ablaze a campaign bus that was branded with the posters of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Hints suggest the driver escaped unhurt while many vehicles plying the road were smashed especially those branded with PDP logo leading to suspicion that the attack may have been sponsored by the APC to subdue supporters of PDP.
The Reformer learnt that PDP supporters had converged at the Hiapang Airport to receive the Plateau state, governorship candidate of the party, Mr Gyang Pwajok who was returning from Lagos after receiving the governorship flag of the party as its Standard Bearer.
Eyewitnesses said, Mr Okoduwa Jonathan who at the time of the attack was wearing PDP vest owns an Automobile workshop meters away from the area was beating to pulp in the presence of his sister Inlaw and dragged away to an unknown destination. His business premises where a PDP flag was hoisted was also burned to ashes. As the dust settled, the corpse of a man identified as brother inlaw of Mr Okoduwa was discovered around Ringim Road, Jos in the evening of Saturday.
Tension has however heightened in the area as residents were seen scampering for safety, especially as reports confirmed the attack occurred in the presence of the special Military Task Force on Jos Crisis who could not contain the attackers. Feelers suggest there is man hunt for PDP supporters by the rampaging youths and many have gone undercover for fear of being identified. Mr Okoduwa's lawyer, Barrister Fidelis Ebhodaghe is therefore calling on anyone with useful information on the whereabout of Mr Jonathan Okoduwa to call Him on 08058928733, as his client life is under treat or report to the nearest police station. Mr Jonathan Okoduwa according to his lawyer is the chairman of J E Umbrella Nigeria Limited was last seen in Lagos on Friday January 9, 2015 when he traveled to Jos for business, and to join the flag off of PDP Governorship campaign in Jos, Plateau state.