Opinion
Buhari’s Health: Any Cause For Alarm?
It is always ridiculous when you hear people who show concern over President Muhamadu Buhari’s health being castigated by those who feel they love the president even more than himself.
It is no longer news that since the president returned from a prolonged medical vacation in the United Kingdom about two months ago, he has scarcely attended the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting and other state functions. He and the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo were conspicuously absent at the May Day rally organised by the labour unions, leading to a commotion at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
Expectedly, not a few Nigerians are speculating on the President’s true health situation, alluding to some negative thoughts. Unfortunately, the Presidency’s approach rather than redress the negative speculations, leaves Nigerians even more curious. The issue was believed to have topped the agenda of a meeting held by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-military Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abulsalami Abubakar in Niger State last Monday.
The growing speculation probably prompted the First Lady, Aisha Buhari to comment through her Twitter handle on Tuesday thus, “ I wish to inform everyone that his health is not as bad as being perceived. Meanwhile, he continues to carry out his responsibilities during this period. “As it may come to your notice, he is meeting with Minister of Justice and GMD of NNPC this evening…”
Similarly, one of the President’s spokesmen, Garba Shehu, was quoted as saying that Buhari has been advised by his doctors to rest more and take things slowly after his last medical vacation, but had resumed work and would likely chair the FEC meeting on Wednesday. However that was not to be as the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed informed newsmen that the President chose to rest on that day, following his doctors’ advice.
Given all these scenarios, one wonders why any individual or groups, political, religious or ethnic, would continue the cover up and pretend that all is well with the President. That the President has some health challenges only shows that he is human and he is likely to take ill like every other human being. Even the Constitution recognises that the President can be sick and that he can discharge his duties through the Vice President and the Ministers. A lawyer while speaking during a radio programme yesterday made it clear that absenting from FEC even for 10 times does not constitute a violation of the Constitution.
What that means is that the President in his own discretion, could hand over power to the Vice President as he did early in the year, to enable him take care of himself either within or outside the country as he may deem fit. The president’s high level of patriotism and zeal to make Nigeria a better place is never in doubt but he has to be in a good shape to actualise his vision. He should not pay attention to power mongers who are playing politics with his health for their own selfish interests. One big lesson about life is that no one is indispensable . Life goes on with or without anybody. If in a bid to struggle to carry out his responsibilities as the President, he loses his life, definitely, the nation will not stop to exist. Life will continue.
No doubt, this hullaballoo about the President’s health is generating avoidable pressure, especially from busienss-minded politicians and Nigerians who would want to benefit from the evolving situation.
Just recently, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Bisi Akande warned that those whose plan is to feast on Buhari’s health status for their own selfish political gains, should desist from such act. Of course, our collective interest at this critical period should be how to get the President back on his feet so that the country can move forward.
It is also important as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo had advised for the Presidency to be transparent about the President’ s health. It’s really difficult to understand why our leaders keep the citizens in the dark on virtually every issue. Information is not provided about the day-to-day running of the government both at the state and federal levels. Once a state or federal budget is passed, the citizens cease to know anything about its implementation, how much is spent and on what. Even when someone asks questions, he is termed an enemy being used by political opponents to destabilise the government in power.
One recalls how the former Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Sullivan Chime jetted out for what was later to be known as medical trip in 2013. Leaving Enugu in the third week of September, no information was divulged by the governor and his media handlers other than the fact that he was proceeding on his annual leave and that his deputy would govern the state in his absence. There was no indication of where he was headed. There was no word on how long he would stay. Neither was anything said about his real mission, his health. The so-called annual leave lasted for five months. His return was also as secretive as his departure.
Such executive silence cannot help us in any way. Rather, it shows utter disregard and disrespect of the people who voted them in power. It also suggests that the people they lead count for little and are not fit to know the health status of their leaders. Moreso, those neglected people provide the money for the leaders’ general upkeep.
Our leaders need to be reminded that keeping the people in the dark as is the case with Buhari’s health will only give room to rumours and speculations which might not be in their best interest or that of the nation.
Calista Ezeaku
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.