Buhari's planned 10-day holiday in London generates heated response from Nigerians

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari's latest decision to return to London for a 10-day holiday during which he will receive medical treatment has raised further concerns about his health as he prepared to vie for a second term in office.

In February 2019, Nigeria will go to the polls and President Buhari has already declared that he will be a candidate. It is expected that the president will easily clinch the presidential ticket of his party the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the development has sparked a wave of defections from the party, mainly amongst other potential presidential candidates.

Several hopefuls like senate president Senator Bukola Saraki, Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar, have all defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the hope of clinching the presidential ticket. With one of them set to face President Buhari in a head on election next year, the stakes are very high.

Just as President Buhari's APC is reeling from the effects of the defection, President Buhari has revealed that he will arrive in London tomorrow at the start of a 10-day trip. Vice president Professor Yemi Osinbajo will take over as acting president while President Buhari is away and a letter to that effect has already been sent to the National Assembly.

Femi Adesina, President Buhari's spokesman, said: “In compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 constitution, a letter has been transmitted to the president of the senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives to that effect. While the president is on vacation, the vice president will be in acting capacity as president.

However, some Nigerians have taken to social media to criticise the president for travelling outside the country at a time when Nigeria is faced with security challenges and political turmoil. They queried why the president cannot spend his holiday somewhere in the country, calling on his aides to disclose if he is sick or not.

One commentator said:  “Just tell us he’s sick again and wants to proceed for his routine medical check in the UK with taxpayers money as usual. The amount wouldn’t be revealed to the taxpayers despite all his empty promises. I remember him saying he’ll not seek medical attention abroad. Lies”

Another added:  “Must he travel outside the country for holiday? Why can’t he promote Nigeria tourism by going to places like Obudu Mountain Resort?

“It is not auspicious for the president to proceed on holidays when APC ‘s house is on fire. Is this a tactical withdrawal? It is expected that Buhari should stem the tide of the ongoing implosion in APC before embracing the pleasure of a vacation,” another commentator added.

 Another Nigerian said: “How many days is he entitled to and how many has he used this year? I would have preferred him staying somewhere in the country for his holidays just to promote local content but if our leaders don’t show the way, who would? So who is Obudu, Yankari, etc meant for?"

Another blogger added:  “Why not step down for Osinbajo. It will change the dynamics and perhaps save APC from a disgraceful defeat.”