Buhari and Osinbajo this morningI am a Nigerian – a very proud one. This is why I have always tried hard as a young man never to be blinded by political leanings or the ethno-religious sentiments that have been variously identified as our fault lines in my thoughts.
Although objectivity is practically inelastic, a certain level of reasonability is expected of an average mind, no matter what the issues are or those involved.
Except for hypocrites, the picture of President Muhammadu Buhari that I saw on Friday is clearly of one not well. As humans too, I want to believe we have been kind and magnanimous in our humanity as a people by standing by and praying for a quick and sound recovery of the health of the president to enable him enjoy the rest of his life, especially as a private citizen.
The nation is bigger than all of us put together. That is sacrosanct. And there is no questioning the fact that this president has become very weak health-wise and can no longer lead the country effectively.
Why is he therefore still hanging-on to power?
I believe without questioning that it would speak to unblemished honour and integrity to accept these things for what they are, quit this thankless job now that the ovation is loudest and move on.
Soon, some aligned elements will come out to say there is a world of difference between the Yar’Adua and the Buhari instances. That’s a lie – a very fatal lie. The circumstances of their situations might have differed to some extent, they are one and the same at the end of the day.
For how long shall we continue to lie to ourselves in the name of loyalty and love for one man at collective detriment?
The constitution is clear about this. There is no better definition for an incapacitated individual than the picture of the president we all saw on Friday but except for the fact that we would rather the president’s health deteriorates into a vegetative state. That of course is nothing but sheer wickedness. God forbid!
Unfortunately, the National Assembly that could have resorted to constitutional interpretation of this situation is handicapped. Any move now by its leadership would be interpreted to mean that some of them are interested in the president’s job. For these people, therefore, it is siddon-look. The opposition is no better either.
But, President Buhari is sick. QED! They should let him move on with his life as a private citizen and attend very well to his health. These power hawks should not continue to push their selfish enterprise for obvious reasons. It is ungodly and inhuman.
For me, true honour and integrity lie with the president resigning and retiring to a quiet life. Perhaps, some political horse-trading could precede this crucial and critical decision. But ultimately, he needs complete time off a job as debilitating as running a complex Nigeria. My take!
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed here is solely that of the author and does not represent whatsoever the opinion of SIMONATEBA.COM