Stop politicising Buhari’s health issue —Groups warn

THE National Committee of Yoruba Youth (NCYY) and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation against terrorism (CSOAT) has called on politicians not to heat up the polity by continuous politicising the health issue of President Muhammadu Buhari, even despite the fact that the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces had followed the constitutional process so far.

This was disclosed by the representatives of the two groups; president of NCYY and the secretary of CSOAT, Comrades Oladimeji Odeyemi and Olufemi Lawson, respectively while addressing journalists in Ibadan.

The group, also commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army, ably led by Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, for the recent release of another set of 82, of the abducted Chibok School girls.

Odeyemi, who spoke for the group said it is pertinent for the group“ to urgently address and arrest, a growing concern that could undermine, the unity and sovereignty of this great nation on the Insidious politicisation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Health and the release of 82 of the abducted Chibok Girls.

“We are particularly worried, that the threat to our corporate existence, might not be from the now defeated Boko Haram insurgents, but the activities of tribal war leaders, ethnic jingoists, religious zealots and some overzealous self-acclaimed activists, who feel that they can play politics with the health of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The various inciting statements and attempts to stampede the President out of office, by these self-serving individuals is perhaps, the greatest danger to our democracy.We find their obsession on media and social commentary on President Buhari’s Health, and the constant projection of his hitherto incapability, highly distasteful and diversionary. For the sake of emphasis, governance is ongoing in our country.

“The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is a competent man and key members of the cabinet, are proving to be highly resourceful. As a country, this government is saving, despite a fall in oil prices, this government is upgrading infrastructures at 10 times, the rate we have at any time in the last eighteen years.

“The Buhari administration is plugging all loopholes through the Treasury Single Account and the administration has shown enough courage and effort to tackle unbridled corruption and insurgency in our country. This is to once again, condemn all the unfounded rumour mongering on President Buhari’s health. Most of the speculations from this known ethnic champions and pseudo activists are rooted, in obsession for ethnic and religious based politics.

“President has transmitted to the National Assembly, his desire to proceed on medical vacation, as demanded by our law. He can stay for as long as the need to fully recover is assured and he transmits a contrary declaration to the National Assembly, to the effect that He has now resumed duties. This action of President Buhari, has effectively blocked any vacuum, or lacuna, in the governance of the country.”

He called for the understanding of every Nigerian for understanding to continue to trust the statements of the President, despite the dark comments from some selfish acclaimed ethnic leaders.

He however called on the Nigerian media to salvage the situation by educating Nigerians on sensitive issues that could jeopardise the unity of the country.

On the 82 recently Chibok girls released, NCYY said “As a nation, we must appreciate, the determination, focus and compassion of President Buhari and the leadership of our security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army, ably led by Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, which led to the recent release of the 82, of the abducted Chibok School girls.

“We implore Nigerians, not to see the willingness of the government to negotiate and meet the terms that led to the exchange for the girls as a sign of weakness. Rather, it shows compassion on the part of the country’s leadership. Prisoner exchange is a known global practice by any nation, who values the lives of her citizens.”