They danced. They sang. They screamed and jumped. They brought back campaign slogans on the streets of Abuja in support of President Muhammadu Buhari who left Nigeria on May 7 for treatment. In recent pictures with his media team, Mr. Buhari appeared upbeat, a clear indication that those who declared him dead or on life support were lying. There had been street protests calling on the President to resume or resign. But the counter street protests seem to be dwarfing the previous anti-Buhari protests.
Mr. Buhari handed power over to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo before departing for treatment in London. But his critics argue that Mr. Osinbajo does not have real power and cannot take major decisions. They say Mr. Buhari should throw in the towel and attend to his health. But the President’s supporters say he did the right thing by handing over power and has not broken any law. The Nigerian constitution is silent on the number of days the President can spend abroad.
With tension rising, street protests broke out last week, calling on Mr. Buhari to go. But, other protesters stormed the streets in support of Mr. Buhari. On Monday, those protests turned into jubilation. Watch.
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