Buhari’s health: Lesson from Venezuela
President Muhammadu Buhari was flown abroad for the second time as President to seek medical attention and he has fulfilled the constitutional provision to hand over to the vice president to act on his behalf, yet some Nigerians are dissatisfied and took to the street to protest his absence as well as calling for his […]
Nigerian former Gen. Muhammadu Buhari speaks moments after he was presented with a certificate to show he won the election in Abuja, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat to Buhari, a 72-year-old former military dictator, who was elected in a historic transfer of power following the nation’s most hotly contested […]
President Muhammadu Buhari was flown abroad for the second time as President to seek medical attention and he has fulfilled the constitutional provision to hand over to the vice president to act on his behalf, yet some Nigerians are dissatisfied and took to the street to protest his absence as well as calling for his resignation!
This is coming at a time the vice president visited the president and assured the nation of his speedy recovery. Even though the protesters have the right to peaceful protest, but it is a religious obligation and African cherished tradition to show remorse and sympathy to the sick in particular country’s leadership.
We have seen a good example in the Venezuelan experience, when Hugo Chavez was undergoing treatment for cancer since 2011, some of them cut their hair in solidarity with the president as he did during the period of his sickness. And cluster group of women with tears streaming down their faces clung to each other and wept near the Miraflores presidential palace.
Some wore t-shirts with slogans that read: “Go forward commander! While men shouting ‘ Long live Chavez! Long live Chavismo!”
Thousands mourn for Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez after he dies following a severe infection during cancer battle. Hundreds of anguished Venezuelans poured into the streets of downtown capital Caracas crying, hugging each other and shouting slogans in support of Chavez after the news of his death was announced by the then vice president Nicolas Maduro.
And in Nigeria some selfish and mindless politicians were either lobbying or trying to profit from the health condition of our ailing president instead of praying for his quick recovery, and to help sustain the tremendous achievements recorded by president Buhari.
Our president needs prayers, love, good will, support, and peaceful country; not hate! Just as Mr. Maduro admonished Venezuelans to be dignified inheritors of the giant man; Let there be no weakness. No violence. Let there be no hate. In our hearts there should only be one sentiment: Love, peace and discipline.
May Allah give president Buhari complete cure, to complete his good work ameen.
Abdullateef Tanko A., [email protected]