NLC: Like any other human being, Mr President could take ill once in a while

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) says President Muhammadu Buhari is allowed to “take ill once in a while” like every normal human being.

The NLC said this in reaction to a purported statement insinuating that it called on the President to address the nation from his vacation and medical checkup in London, UK.

Ayuba Wabba, the president of NLC, said Labour did not react to the fake reports of the president’s death as it does not “operate on rumours”.

In a statement issued in on Friday in Abuja, Wabba said, “We would want to state emphatically and unequivocally that we did not at any time make such a statement. The reasons for this are quite obvious. As an organisation, we do not work on rumours.

“Secondly, we are aware that Mr President is on leave and that before he proceeded on leave, he handed over to Mr Vice President. We also recognise the fact presidential powers and immunity do not cover health. Thus, like any other human being, Mr President could take ill once in a while.

“But most importantly, issues of life and death of any citizen, let alone that of the number one citizen are too sacred to be trivialised. We therefore distance ourselves from the rumour mills on the health status of Mr President.

“As we look forward to welcoming him back to the country whenever he resumes, we also urge the citizenry not to allow themselves to be put on a panic mode by virtue of unsubstantiated stories in the media.

“President Buhari met all the conditions precedent regarding his absence from office before proceeding on leave to which he is entitled.”