Date Published: 11/28/09
Sir,
Nigeria and death rumours
Recently we have had high profile death-rumours. First, it was that the former first lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida, died of cancer on her hospital bed in far away USA. It turned out to be the handiwork of rumour mills; she is very much alive and recovering from her supposed ailment.
Another came like wild fire from far away Saudi Arabia that President Umaru Yar’Adua who had gone for a medical check died of his dragging ailment. That as well has turned out to be falsehood attributable to rumour mills. According to the information from government quarters, the president is very much alive and doing fine on his hospital bed.
I have no quarrels if our president or anyone for that matter dies, after every mortal must die of something. But what I quarrel is the manner the action and inactions of people in government had fueled the rumour of his death. Whether you like it or not, it was their fault that created the rumour. It could now be said that the disagreement between the Senate and House of Representative over which Chamber the President should present his 2010 budget at a joint session was stage-managed to avoid the President standing for a long while reading the budget document, as norm. If alternatively he should be granted to sit while reading the budget piece, Nigerians would have been privileged to understand the bad situation of his health.
Nevertheless, for the President constantly rushed out of the country for medical attention at every little incident shows that he had remain a lip-service man to the healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
One thing is sure; if PDP should field Umaru Yar’Adua for the 2011 elections, there is no Jupiter that would make the Party win the election. Nigerians will ensure that no rigging the election this time around. It is near-reliable source mentioned to me that Governor Goje of Gombe State and Governor Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State are said to be planning a joint-ticket already.
Dr. Tarilabo Opuaya,
Aba Road,
Port Harcourt
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