Sentiments of different shades were expressed and shared during President Muhammadu Buhari’s 49-day absence from office.
As stipulated in the Constitution of Nigeria, when he was not around, his Vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a brilliant one for that matter acted on his behalf as President.
Fortunately for Nigerians, things started taking favourable turns especially on the economic front where the naira’s free fall was suddenly halted. The nation’s currency was almost hitting N600 to a dollar when the trend was halted.
Many Nigerians jumped into a rather hasty conclusion that Yemi Osinbajo, the Acting President had a ‘magic wand’. Afterwards, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also issued a statement claiming glory.
Unreported power struggle became the order of the day within the State House in Abuja.
Well, this is history now because the President is back and he seems to understand that the task ahead is far, far beyond personal differences and ego-alliances.
On Friday, March 10 when he arrived, he publicly announced that he was, indeed ‘sick’. But he was quick to add that the acting President should continue acting till Monday saying that he still desired to rest.
Nigerians need to be told by the Presidency that both Buhari and Osinbajo share the same ticket – a joint ticket with Buhari as the President while the latter is the Vice, the Deputy.
Yes, they are different individuals with different approach to life and governance. They also have different exposures, education and so on. However, they belong to the same government and must always be focused on ‘getting the job done’. Nigerians care less who gets it done. Boko Haram menace must stop, bombing of oil facilities must be halted, kidnappings should be eradicated, power supply must improve tremendously. Nigerians are not necessarily interested in how and who carried out the assignments.
Power struggles within the State House has to be minimized. The government of Muhammadu Buhari must be perceived as one adding values to the lives of Nigerians. The government must exhibit unity of purpose. This is when results will be achieved. Nigerians deserve more than this. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
