Have you prayed for Buhari today?

BY GBENGA ODUNSI

The health status of Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari is the obvious issue of the moment in the country in the last few months. Of course, being the nation’s number one citizen, whatever concerns the President ought to interest all Nigerians. Unfortunately, the posture of official information management on the subject has generated a high level of conflict among Nigerians.

While there have been lots of speculations about his health status, no one knows what is going on. And if there are a few people who are in the know, they are not ready to give out details. The indefinite extension of Buhari’s leave in the UK heightened the suspicions Nigerians have about his fitness.

Against the backdrop of the nation’s experience during the presidency of Umaru Yar’adua, all sorts of what may have happened or not dominated public space in the country. President Buhari has done a lot to reduce the prowess of Boko Haram terrorists in the country, and this is just one of the many things he is doing to make Nigeria a better place for all.

The once dreadful Sambisa forest has now been cleared of insurgents and the happy story goes on. President Buhari is also doing his best to doggedly fight corruption, diversify the economy and reduce poverty and unemployment.

Considering his achievements and good intentions, the president, therefore, needs the support and fervent prayers of all Nigerians, irrespective of creed, religion or ethnicity. To be factual, the nation’s health can be measured in line with the president’s health.

It is pertinent for Nigerians to intercede through prayers for President Muhammadu as prayer as the only key to boost Buhari’s health condition and the economy of the country. I admonished Nigerians not to wish the President dead but pray for his good health. It is also important to stress that President Buhari is not just the father of the nation, he is also human like the rest of us. Anybody can fall sick at any point in time, and in times like this, we can only pray for him to get better and for things to go back to normal.

I urge Nigerians to shun violence, partisan politics, religious and tribal sentiment over President Buhari’s health challenge. We also urge Nigerians to show goodwill and patriotism; they should pray and wish the president a speedy recovery.

It is important for Nigerians to pray for us not to have a repeat of what happened during President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s tenure. He was bedridden for a long time before he finally passed on. Nigerians must pray for President Buhari to return safely so we do not become plagued with a history like that.

According to reports, President Buhari is eager to return home but has been advised to rest for a while for reasons best known to the medical team.

Conclusively, the posture of President Buhari’s administration to governance is no doubt commendable. It is therefore not an administration to be rubbished. Government must accordingly strive to embrace a robust information management style that can ensure effective public enlightenment and bridge the gap between government and the people.

Odunsi can be reached via [email protected]