THE BUHARI BROUHAHA AND CITIZENS' QUEST FOR UTOPIA


When news filtered in that President Muhammadu Buhari had extended his vacation ad infinitum, many who had predicted the president's death felt vindicated and they trooped to the social media to reiterate their prophecies.


Recent happenings in the country, especially the economic quagmire Nigerians are wallowing in de die in diem, did not help matters either.


Concerned citizens led by a popular artiste had planned to hold a peaceful march today across major cities in Nigeria to protest against the government. In a likewise manner, another group rose up to support the government. But yesterday morning, the leader of the group against the government cancelled the protest to the disappointment of his supporters citing "security concerns" (the police had threatened to stop the protest).


Most of their complaints bore on the skyrocketing prices of food items, essential commodities and the free fall of the naira (refusing to resist the law of gravity) against international currencies. They are not even crying for a better Nigeria but pressing demands to the present administration to return the nation to its former position before they took over.


President Buhari bears the brunt of these agitations by the people as the C-in-C of the Armed Forces and the number one citizen of the nation. But the health challenges of the president had made him handover to his vice as Acting President, according to section 145 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.


The nation is experiencing some sort of déjà vu (same situation happened in 2009), albeit in this case, the president handed over to his deputy afore leaving the country to ensure there was no vacuum after he must have left.


Despite these issues, political shenanigans have begun their scheming for the next election as lawmakers from the northwestern part of the country had endorsed Buhari for second term in 2019 despite the president's health challenges.


Of Nigeria's 18 years of democracy, the Northerners have ruled for just 4 years and any truncation of the incumbent's tenure may not go down well with Northern politicians who might feel shortchanged.


The major opposition party, PDP, in a bid to return to power is also playing with their sentiments as they had in October, 2016 agreed on a Northern presidential candidate for 2019. A decision which has caused the ire of the masses, especially the southerners who feel the northerners may rule till 2027.


In light of recent events, what the people deserve is a working environment, a vibrant economy and a strong leader who understands their plight.


We have an Acting President and an ailing President and the best we can do is to support them with prayers until 2019 when we shall speak through the ballots again.

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