Buhari ‘reaches’ out to Nigerians, fails to douse growing concerns over his health

After being away for another 48 days from Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has reached out to Nigerians in an Eid-el-fitr message, from his base in London.

The president in a massage sent out by his Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu, wished Nigerians a happy celebration to mark the end of the fasting season. He, however, appealed “to all Nigerians to avoid reckless statements or actions against our fellow countrymen. We should all resolve to live in peace and unity in our great country, which is the envy of many less endowed nations”.

His latest message however failed to douse growing concerns over the status of his health, and the nature of his ailment which the presidency has continued to treat as top secret.

The president has been in and out of a London hospital for the last few months where he went for what his aides initially told Nigerians was an ear infection. But the president himself on his return after about 49 days confirmed that he had been seriously ill.

He left again on May 7, for what the presidency said was a follow up treatment, but has been away for about 48 days now, with no concrete communication with Nigerians, save for an occasional statement from his media aides, which has seemingly only led to more concerns as to why the president is unable to address Nigerians directly via video.

Read also: No reprieve for Sen Melaye, as INEC pushes ahead with recall process

A recent visit to London by his wife Aisha did not do much to reassure Nigerians as she came back shortly after, and told Nigerians that the president is still recuperating.

Also, and attempt by a former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu to reassure Nigerians on the president’s health also failed as he missed the mark.

Kalu had told Nigerians that Buhari would return on the weekend following his (Kalu) return from outside the country, but the expected day came and passed with no word from the president.

The latest message by Shehu further drew the ire of many Nigerians who attacked the president and his aide for keeping Nigerians in the dark over the president exact whereabouts, and the nature of his illness.

Nwanjeri Nonso, while commenting on Shehu’s message asked “From where did he send the message, we were told about memory loss, how come he remember this.
Oga Garba Shehu u can lieoooooo”

Another Nigerian, Alvin Otutu said “Haba! Garba Shehu! We have only one Presidency, kindly shelve your selfishness and let that office prevail. When your Boss returns, and transmits a letter to NASS that he is ready to resume office, you can continue with your job, for now you should be on break. Walahi I don’t know what about office that makes all of you loose your conscience.
Happy Eid Nigeria.”

According to Monday Best “Since Buhari is not around now I think Garba Shehu and Femi should be relieved of their appointment because they are busy doing nothing which is a huge waste to tax payers money”

Samuel Victor Onyekachi commented “Are you sure he really said that or it is just another of your endless trick… we have not still recovered from the trick you guys pulled when Osibanjo wanted to sign 2017 budget….”

“Someone that mistook London for Sokoto can’t remember to send this lies to Nigeria.

Buhari as presently reported don’t know his whereabouts, soon he will be smulgle in as usual.
Buhari didn’t send this message”

Victor Otumchere Nas said “President that’s have impaired memory is writing this. Let keep my mouth shut before Dss will be looking for their ancestors”.

 

 

 

 

RipplesNigeria ….without borders, without fears

Click here to download the Ripples Nigeria App for latest updates

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now