Nigeria: A missing President and a reeling nation

By Oluwafemi Ogunjobi

The most populous black nation in the world, Nigeria is witnessing a tense political and economic situation, along with internal mishaps. On the other hand, the President, Muhammadu Buhari, has been on a month’s long medical leave. In lieu of this, he has remained out of the country, in the United Kingdom since January 19, 2017. He was supposed to return back to work on the 6th February, 2017. However, in a written statement to the National Assembly, he informed the parliament of his desire to extend his leave in order to complete a pending series of tests recommended by his doctors.

The mysterious disappearance after brokering peace talks in the Gambia and a continued stay in the UK have led to deepening suspicions that his health is far worse than the reports claim. The 74-year- old former military dictator has been dogged by speculation about whether he was physically fit for office even before he took power in May 2015.

Claim of the office loyalists

The Senate President, Mr Bukola Saraki, a Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, and other party loyalists insisted on his stable condition. The latest statement from the President’s office reported that there was no cause for worry about Buhari’s health, but his normal annual checkup tests required a longer period of rest, necessitating him to stay longer than originally planned.

Two weeks ago, on his sick bed, he had a telephone conference with the United States President, Donald Trump discussing diplomatic, bilateral relations, and security concerns. Moreover, he received a formal invitation to the White House.

A questionable estimation

The estimation of his state of health remains questionable. In June 2016, he sought medical attention from abroad for nearly two weeks for Meniere disease – an inflammation of the ear. A recent exclusive report states that Buhari has been advised not to return to Nigeria in the near future to resume his role as president. One of the sources say, “The president’s condition has been downgraded to “full blown illness” even by members of his kitchen cabinet who are now quietly admitting that he is ill.” However, the ailing president’s closest associates remain averse to disclosing to the Nigerian people the nature of Mr. Buhari’s illness. The report further disclosed that “the aides travelling with the President have extended their hotel booking in London by at least one month starting from February 6th, 2017. This means that the earliest Mr Buhari would make it back to Nigerian soil is in early March.”

David Pilling in a recent article in Financial Times is reported to assert that “President is missing in action”. Pilling was correct: Mr Buhari’s slow pace of leadership has drifted the economy into a financial crisis. The weak oil price has starved the system of forex, businesses have been run aground, and the economy has plunged into its worst recession in 25 years. High inflation rate, especially for food and other necessities, is damaging the mantra based on which he was elected.

Time is the most reliable prophet

Surprisingly, the health of Nigeria’s heads of state has long been a sensitive issue. In 2010, President Umaru Yar’Adua died from a long-standing, but undisclosed kidney condition, while in Saudi Arabia. Like Buhari, his initial illness and treatment in hospital abroad too triggered months of political uncertainty. Yar’Adua’s death brought his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan to power.

The current state of affairs in the nation has crowned Vice President, Mr. Yemi Osinbajo with power, who has been acting unrelentingly and articulately as the acting President. He is ambitious to launch an economic recovery plan to voice support for a government agreement with local militants groups that have seriously disrupted the region’s oil production. The nation is still shrouded in uncertainty over the health of its president. However, with everything in Nigeria, time is the most reliable prophet and only luck could be of any help.

Oluwafemi Ogunjobi is a Nigerian socio-economic commentator and an advocate with Young Voices, a media organization that provides media outlets around the world with access to the next generation’s advocates.