Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday dispelled rumours that he is under pressure to resign due to uncertainties surrounding the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari, who on Sunday extended indefinitely his medical vacation abroad. The Presidency claims he is in the United Kingdom and well.
Mr. Osinbajo made the clarification when he spoke with State House correspondents shortly after meeting behind closed doors with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
He also said that he cannot disclose the health status of President Buhari, saying that his boss will disclose that to Nigerians at the appropriate time.
Ironically, Osinbajo added that the President is hale and hearty, claiming that he spoke with him earlier in the day to keep him abreast of developments regarding the 2017 Budget and the protests embarked upon by some Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Professor of English, William Ajene Horsfall has compared the present confusion over the current health status of President Muhammadu Buhari to that which led later to the death of former President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Talking to the Daily Post, Prof. Ajene said:
“Remember, President Yar’Adua left Nigeria on 23 November 2009, and was reported to be receiving treatment for pericarditis at a clinic in Saudi Arabia.
“He was not seen in public again, and his absence created a dangerous power vacuum in Nigeria.
“He battled kidney failure and purportedly challenged his critics to a game of squash in an endeavor to end speculations about his health; this is exactly what is happening with Buhari and his government.
“Further fomenting rumors about his health, he was flown to Germany for medical reasons and we were told it was due to stress. Afterall, whatever we are told, we accept. Mumu!
“If you remember, Yar’Adua was quoted as saying he ‘was fine and would soon be back to campaigning.’ They have said this about Buhari too.
“Like a rumour, Yar’Adua was said to have collapsed after suffering a heart attack – another report which was swiftly dismissed by them.
“Yar’Adua was urged to hand over power to Vice-President, Goodluck Jonathan, in an acting capacity during his illness, but what happened? They kept swindling Nigerians.”
He added: “On 24 February 2010, Yar’Adua returned to Abuja under the cover of darkness. His state of health was unclear, but there were speculations that he was still on a life support machine, but unfortunately, Yar’Adua died on 5 May at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
“There were reactions here and there.
“So, whatever is happening to Buhari is not different from what we know or what we have seen, heard or experienced. We may be looking at Yar’adua’s scenario.”
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