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Questions About President Yar’Adua’s Health
Posted by: Misi Coker on September 4, 2008 Under: Africa, Discussion Lounge, Nigeria, Politics & Policy
As at Saturday August 30, 2008 the rumor in Nigeria was that President Yar’Adua had died while undergoing a complicated kidney surgery in Saudi Arabia. A telephone call by Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, Chair-man/Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY to the President revealed otherwise. During that call the President reassured people of Nigeria that he was well.
President Yar’Adua: Ramadan fasting will start here in Saudi Arabia tomorrow (Monday). You know as a true Muslim, I will certainly observe the Ramadan from tomorrow (Monday). So I will return to Nigeria anytime from Tuesday (tomorrow).
His Presidency maintained the story that the President had gone on a pilgrimage mission and not health related as many Nigerians had initially assumed.
However, on September 3, Nigerian Tribune news headline read that “Yar’Adua fails to Return” on Tuesday as expected and:
Sources at the King Fahd Hospital in Saudi Arabia where President Yar’Adua had been hospitalised confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune that though he was fast recuperating following the surgical operation performed on him, the possibility of his return to Nigeria was practically impossible as “he is not strong enough to travel by air.”
Apparently this is the President’s third medical trip abroad regarding his kidney condition. Thus far the President has been away for 10 days without true explanations to Nigerians about his mission. Now Nigerians are demanding the truth about his health. Is he dead or alive? I believe the people deserve to know.
Muti This
Kunle | Sep 4, 2008 | Reply
I can understand why the president and his close associates would want to keep his state of health painted in vibrant colours. Of course their jobs depend on it.
Nevertheless, I believe that at this point in our nation’s history we need a president who is physically healthy and mentally fit enough to make decisions that will transform one of the world’s poorest country to one of the world’s richest (her true potential) in just about 10 years!
I hope someone will make up his mind whether he is up to it or not before it’s too late.
Misi | Sep 4, 2008 | Reply
@Kunle, I couldn’t agree with you more. Right now it seems the country is running on autopilot (borrowing the words of Lai Mohammed of AC) while the country needs a hands-on president. I know a person’s health is important but unfortunately Nigeria’s needs cannot be kept on a back burner either.
Omotaylor | Sep 4, 2008 | Reply
Seems president Yaradua is very sick and Nigeria is bound to get sicker as the president’s sickness continues. That said, he has a vice and i hope albeit Nigerians are not told the truth about Yaradua’s condition that this is not the case with Mr Vice President who should accountably hold the helms of affairs pending President Yaradua’s return. I echo Gani Fawehinmi’s call for prayers for the president. He could be an Ostrich, a Jonah and what have you but he is A HUMAN BEING and we need to pray for his speedy recovery and safe return to Nigeria. Mrs Yaradua should just donate the kidney requested of her quick and get Mr President back in good time. Sebi she signed for better for worse and enjoyed all the status symbol of being mrs First Lady.
And if there are any Nigerians praying that he passes on, God forbid, please rethink, for plenty katakata go happen if their wishes are granted.
Mr President Yaradua is very sick indeed, but must get well. Peace
Caretaker | Sep 5, 2008 | Reply
It is wrong that Nigerians are not be informed of what is happening to their president. The fact that Yar’Adua has not even come on air from Saudi Arabia – even for a 2-minute video broadcast means his health is in a very very bad state!
Omotaylor | Sep 5, 2008 | Reply
I couldnt agree with you more Caretaker. He must have been so sick as to be presumed dead a few days ago. I pray daily that he does not die (not yet) for there are many unfinished business and Nigeria is not prepared yet for further instability. That said is there any reason why Mr Vice President Jonathan Goodluck, who is holding front, has not gone on air to say anything either? Or is he in the dark also? I wont be surprised if he is.
Omotaylor | Sep 5, 2008 | Reply
Still on Yaradua’s health, this should make interesting reading:
http://odili.net/news/source/2008/sep/5/601.html