Date Published: 01/14/10

Yar'Adua's health and the Nigerian polity

Nigeria as democratic country is run based on certain norms and rules. One of such rules is the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. The constitution though rife with lacunas, is the basis upon which the governance of this country is predicated upon. It clearly set out how those who occupy electoral offices emerge, and how power will be shared among the three arms of government. It is trite law that the provision of the constitution is supreme to any other law in the country, and is therefore, binding on all and sundry.

The office of the president is amply provided for by the constitution. The constitution also made provision for vacancy in the event that the president is unable to carry out his functions. It clearly states that the vice president steps into the shoes of the president. Nigerians may wish to recall that President Umaru Musa Yar’adua left the shores of this country precisely on the 23 rd November, 2009. Since this day, the act of governance seems to have come to a ground halt. The vice president who is constitutionally empowered to take charge pending when the president returns, has been made handicapped.

One wonders why the vice president is yet to take over. Since the president’s departure, nothing seemed to be working in this country. Nigeria cannot continue to be under the control of a microscopic few who are preventing the vice president from taking over. Thus, holding this country to ransom. Suffice it to state that the interest of Nigeria supersedes any individual, ethnic or regional interest. We cannot afford to be under siege, when freedom stares us in the face( by virtue of the provisions of the constitution).

The Executive council is not helping matters in any way. Since the day that Presidential spokesman Olusegun Adeniyi made a public declaration of the president’s ill health, all we’ve been told is that the president is doing fine and he is recuperating. But there is absolutely nothing to douse the tension that has built up in the country. It is an open secret that Nigerians barely believe what they say, because there is just no evidence to justify their claim.

It is mandatory upon them to take necessary steps to douse rising tensions prevalent in the country. This they can do, by organizing a video conference or a direct telephone call of the president to Nigerians. Just something to convince Nigerians that he is there, and is actually doing fine not merely heresy. The federal executive council must also give life to section 145 of the constitution so that the vice president can forthwith, assume the presidency in an acting capacity. Whenever the president is considered fit, and can return, he will take over and continue with his presidency. And if it is the contrary, the president should take the noble path, by throwing in the towel. This will give him an ample opportunity to look after his health issues. While we will pray for him to recover, as the business of governance continues. The loud silence in the executive arm of government is becoming rather, too unbearable. Something must be urgently done to assuage the apprehension of Nigerians.

Frank O. Ijege, 6B Dabo Road, Barnawa Kaduna. 08032093229