SADIQ ABUBAKAR writes on the divergent views by Nigerians from all walks of life, on President Muhammadu Buhari’s return from his medical leave in London.
Th e return of President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to receive mixed reactions as well as attract comments of Nigerians. Th ese include expectations that the president will dissolve the federal executive, comprising cabinet of ministers, service chiefs and special advisers and assistants. Also, Nigerians expect President Buhari to take urgent action on the decision of the National Assembly, especially the Senate, on the issue of Ibrahim Magu, as the Chairman of EFCC. Nigerians expect that the return of Buhari will boost the war against Boko Haram terrorists in the north east. Th e Governor of Borno state, Kashim Shettima, said the return of President Buhari was a blessing to Nigeria because it will “boost the war against terrorism in the North east”.
Prominent Nigerians Governor Shettima, Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger state, the South East Governors, Forum, APC, opposition parties like PPA, ADC and NDP, governors of Ekiti and Kogi states , NANS, and the Emir of Kanam, Alhaji Mu’azu Muhammadu among others were some of the prominent Nigerians who commented on Buhari’s return. North-east Zone In a statement Shettima said, “Th e people of the North-east should be congratulated as the major benefi ciaries of Buhari’s return, because of his open love, empathy and keen interest in addressing the security challenges in the sub-region.” Th e governor added that apart from his zeal in fi ghting insecurity, the president had been magnanimous in appointing individuals from the subregion into key federal government positions. “Before the coming of Buhari in 2015, the North-east was the most marginalised in everything that had to do with the federal government, from the presence of federal projects to representation at the national level.
“But he changed that soon after he assumed the mantle of leadership and made the region the bride of his administration in terms of national representation. “For this and other reasons, Buhari occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of all true sons and daughters of the six states that make up the North-east geo-political zone,” the statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communications, Malam Isa Umar Gusau said. Governor Shettima also described Buhari as a former governor of the defunct North-Eastern State “and our in-law in whom we are very pleased”. Yahaya Bello In his reaction, Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello, said in a statement by Petra Akinti Onyegbule, his Chief Press Secretary, that Nigerians have shown how much they love and supported the president through an uncommon demonstration of their unfl inching
oyalty and faith in the leader they overwhelmingly voted into offi ce in 2015. “This is an attestation to the fact that Nigerians are satisfied in the leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “The governor enjoins Nigerians to unite and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to complete the work they had begun in setting Nigeria on the right path and building a country every Nigerian would be proud of. “Governor Bello acknowledges that the people have huge expectations of government at all levels and are eager for the APC to deliver the dividends of democracy to them. These expectations are legit. “And the President has shown commitment to meeting the yearnings of his people. This is evident in the successes recorded in the areas of fighting insecurity, reducing unbridled corruption and improving the nation’s economy.
“As President Buhari carries on the leadership of our country Nigeria, Governor Bello urges us all to shun primordial and basic sentiments, put the nation first and rally round Mr. President to make Nigeria work for us even as he wishes him the best of health of mind, body and soul.” South East Governors Forum According to the South east governors forum, the return of President Muhammadu Buhari from medical vacation will boost war against terrorism in the North- East and is a good omen to Nigeria. The forum chairman who is also the Ebinyi state Governor, David Umahi through his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, describe President’s healing and return as a great work of God and wished him total recovery as he resumes duty as well thanked Nigerians for praying for speedy recovery if the president. While the Governor of Kwara state, Abdulfatah Ahmed rejoiced with all Nigerians over the return of Buhari and said his return has shamed Buhari’s enemies.
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Uba thanked God for quick recovery of the president and wished him continuous protection while commending the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, for his commitment in moving the country forward while holding forth for President Buhari. However, some reactions trailed the national broadcast of President Buhari with some picking holes. For instance, leaders of political parties said the President should have apologized to Nigerians in his broadcast. National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Okey Nwosu described the broadcast as depressing. Similarly, in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alfa Mohammed, the party described as worrisome the economic situation of the country and commended the president for resolving to address the economic situation if the country and reinvigorate the fight against bins urgency band terrorism as well as ethnic violence.
Ayo Fayose But surprisingly, Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose spoke on the return of President Buhari describing it as a welcome development. He stated this after a brief meeting with some PDP State governors and leaders in a statement quoted by the office if Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Ago Fayose spoke as Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum while assuring members of the PDP party fairness, transparency and justice in their party affairs. He also urged APC led federal government of President Buhari to face governance squarely and deliver dividends of democracy to the people. The South west chapter of the National Committee of Buhari Support Group NCBSG, has also reacted reiterating support of the geo political zone for President Muhammadu Buhari as part of a welcome message to the president.
The group in a statement issued by the Zonal Coordinator Senator Ajayi Borofice, said the support was hinged on purposeful leadership Buhari had been given to the country within the last two years which had brought about peace and needed economic revival for the nation. Emir of Kanam Th e Emir of Kanam, Alhaji Mu’azu Muhammadu, in his comments on Buhari’s return said that Buhari’s absence brought about some unnecessary insinuations and agitations that almost threatened the oneness of the nation. “I am so glad, like any other wellmeaning Nigerians, that Mr President is back to Nigeria hale and hearty to continue his good works, especially his promises to the citizens. “Now that he is back, we should as patriotic citizens, keep praying for him for more health and strength,’’ he said. Th e traditional ruler said the prayers would enable the President to turn around the economy and the security of the country for the desired growth and development
