By Oseloka H. Obaze
Analyzing Nigeria
is arduous if you seek to speak truth to power. Many Nigerians, mostly the
leaders and elite make speeches unceasingly. Such conventional speeches tend to
be largely rhetorical. And together, the analysts, the religious, the political
leaders and the disenfranchised populace have all become “miserable comforters”
of a nation in distress. As asked in the Holy Book: “Will your long
winded speeches never end?”
 |
| *Buhari |
Nigeria remains the classical
outlier nation state. Thus in resignation many Nigerians have thrown in the
towel. Some have fled, finding refuge and succour in foreign lands. Yet, many
remain, having no option; and some remain to capitalise on the leadership and
general disorder in the commonwealth. The latter seek to foster legality from
illegalities with the intent to benefit from it.
But there remains one
constant. Like Fela Anikulakpo Kuti averred presciently, the state of the
nation is nothing but “Confusion” as “Everything Scatter.” As another
contemporary musician, Eedris Abdulkareem put it: everything in Nigeria
is “Jaga Jaga.” And this brings me to how those charged with minding
President Muhammadu Buhari are managing his wellbeing or as some say, his
health issues.
First, President Buhari is not a private citizen. While he is entitled to
some privacy, Nigerians who elected him have the right to know of his wellbeing
and the state of his health. He is the CEO of corporate Nigeria, and
his wellbeing affects our stocks and holdings. Nigerians are not interested in
his minders including the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo and media advisers
telling us that the president is “fit”, “alright” and “that there is no cause
for alarm.” The president did the right thing in devolving power to his
deputy. That is constitutional. But Nigerians behold a Deja vu moment. If they
are doubtful they have good reasons. Nigeria needs to hear directly from
her leader, President Buhari, in accordance with the oath of office he took.
My friend, Femi
Adesina, the Special Adviser on Media has characterised the present reality as
“imperfect” but conditioned on “exigencies of the moment.”
He is doing his best
in an awkward circumstance. Well, we recall the uncertainties and
unpleasantness that led to the “doctrine of necessity” and do not want to
revisit that episode under any pretext. Perhaps, Mr. Adesina should have a chat
with his professional colleague, Segun Adeniyi on this and related
matters. Nigerians don’t want to be fooled. If President Buhari could
speak to President Donald Trump, he can speak to Nigerians. The facilities
exist.
