Until last week, there were rumours milling around concerning the deteriorating health of Nigeria’s President Umaru Yar’Adua. Since he took power in 2007, Nigerians have frequently speculated upon their leader’s medical fitness, and this time around, it seems the gossip has substance: Nigeria’s president is bedridden in Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Hospital in Jedda, and according to a government spokesman, he’s suffering from pericarditis, a heart ailment. But then again, why all the fuss? Isn’t becoming ill a normal human trait, even for our ‘almighty’ leaders?
Whoever said that ‘health is wealth’ has a strong point, but unfortunately many Nigerians are calling for President Yar’Adua to resign from office, citing Section 144 of the constitution, which references incapacity to carry out functions due to illness.
But I think the call to step aside is purely based on a feeling of frustration on the lack of progress in Nigeria after nearly 50 years of independence.
In Nigeria, political power is a matter of life and death, especially when it involves who gets what, how and when. Democracy has brought a snail-speed progress to the process of development but the fact remains that most citizens are fed up with the system. This is why President Yar’Adua is receiving a ‘get out of Aso Rock’ clarion call instead of a ‘get well’ message.
In my opinion, I humbly advise President Yar ‘Adua to resign honourably and call the bluff of his retinue of sycophants and elements in the north, who are only interested in a power tussle. However nascent Nigeria’s democracy may be, it has emboldened many people to speak out about the ills inherent in Africa’s pillar of hope.
My call for his resignation has three reasons. First, the election that took him in was rigged and totally unacceptable to the majority of those he professes to lead.
Secondly, a desperate cling to power will go on to taint Nigeria as a place where government officials cling to power as long as they see fit. As it stands now, Nigeria is on a life support machine, yet politicians share huge oil resources at the detriment of millions who are very poor and hungry.
Finally, those who think Nigeria is on the rise should understand that thousands die yearly due to bad roads; small-scale industries are comatose because of the non-availability of steady electricity, while the unemployment rate has over-proved pundits right.
Is Yar’Adua (in or out of a hospital bed) right for Nigeria when its brains are running out of the country in droves, while citizens are hounded into airplanes as deportees by countries which ordinarily should be seeking its favours?
Is it okay for officials (immigration, customs, etc) to be collecting bribes at the point of entry? What about the police and other agencies?
Although his resignation will not stop the accelerated decay, it would usher in a new and healthy spirit to start picking up the pieces. This could be a moment of truth for Nigeria.
Ukachukwu Okorie is originally from Nigeria and writes weekly for Metro Éireann. Visit his website at www.olumouka.com
