Those wishing Buhari dead are not normal, says Obasanjo
http://www.gatewaymail.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/President-Muhammadu-Buhari...Nigerias-number-one-citizen..jpg
By Olusola AJIBIKE (Abeokuta)
NIGERIA: EX-PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo has lambasted those alleging that President Muhammadu Buhari has died in a London, United Kingdom hospital.
The former President said at the weekend that the people peddling the rumour were abnormal human beings.
Obasanjo, who stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, described the claim as wicked, callous and treacherous.
He added that instead of spreading such “worrisome” lie, all that these concerned should offer Buhari “are our prayers and best wishes, which will ginger his morale to come back more stronger and better.”
Obasanjo, who warned against politicization of every issue in the country, said that he had also been victim of such rumored death while in office.
He stated that “no normal human being will wish an elderly person dead irrespective of their differences.”
The ex-President declared: “If you don’t like him, wait for another election, not going about to say he is dead. No matter his health situation, we should pray for him to recover quick and come back more stronger and better.”
“For anyone wishing him dead, such person or group of persons are callous, wicked and treacherous,” he maintained.
He recalled: “I was also rumored to have died almost 12 times. I don’t know what they derive from doing so, but they should seek for forgiveness.”
“Even if we know that the President is sick, he is in a better position to know what to say or what to do and not wishing him dead,” Obasanjo said, adding: “We should just stop politicizing everything, especially with the elderly in the country.”
It would be recalled that Buhari had penultimate Thursday travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) for a 10-day holiday, which included undergoing medical check-ups.
The Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Mr. Femi Adesina, said that while away, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, would be in charge as the acting President.
Adesina explained that the President, who is returning to UK for medical treatment the second time after assuming office, would return to work on February 6.
In a news release entitled “President Buhari proceeds on vacation,” Adesina said: “President Muhammadu Buhari leaves for the United Kingdom today on a short leave, which is part of his annual vacation. He is expected to resume work on February 6, 2017.”
“During the vacation, the President will also undergo routine medical check-ups,” the Special Adviser said, adding: “In line with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President of the Senate, and Speaker, House of Representatives, have been duly communicated.”
“While away, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, will perform the functions of the Office of the President,” Adesina stressed.
The President also had last June 6, traveled to UK for 10-day medical treatment, the trip which attracted condemnation from Nigerians, particularly over the amount spent at the London hospital.
Adesina, while announcing the trip last year, said that the President was travelling to London “to rest.”
“During the holiday, he will see an E.N.T. specialist for a persistent ear infection,” the spokesperson said, adding: “The President was examined by his Personal Physician and an E.N.T Specialist in Abuja and was treated. Both Nigerian doctors recommended further evaluation purely as a precaution.”
- For any reaction or to contact GatewayMail newspaper, Toronto, Canada email us at: info@gatewaymail.org, whatsapp or text message: +2348033186252 (no calls).
