In 2015, the mantra was: Think Osinbajo, vote Buhari.
That was what got us to where we are today.
The media team of Tinubu recently released a video of him walking to his plane, to prove that he is strong, but they made the mistake of not editing the end of the video which showed how the video was “produced”.
Please pay attention to the end of the video, from the 35th second. Festus Keyamo (in burgundy or red) had his bag in his left hand. Close to the private jet, he changed the bag to his right, so that his left hand would be free for the message he wanted to pass to the cameraman. With his left thumb, he stylishly signalled to the cameraman to cut the video the moment Tinubu began to climb the stairs of the plane. Why? Because Tinubu finds it difficult to climb up stairs unaided.
One thing presidential candidates love is the opportunity to address crowds or TV stations, so that they can reach a large audience. But since June 8 when Tinubu emerged as APC presidential candidate, he has avoided all opportunities to be interviewed by any TV station or to deliver a speech to an audience.
That was why Tinubu was absent at the NBA conference held in Lagos on Monday. He would not have been able to stand for long to address the lawyers as well as millions of Nigerians watching at home. So Tinubu who lives in Ikoyi, Lagos sent Shettima who lives in Borno to represent him at an event happening in Victoria Island, beside Ikoyi, in Lagos. That means that Shettima is already playing the role Tinubu should play.
Many are arguing that given the health challenge of Tinubu, Shettima will be in charge if they get elected. Many even call Tinubu a “placeholder” for Shettima.
During the campaign period of 2006/2007, Yar’Adua continued to argue that he was strong until he went into office. Even when he was flown out in critical condition, his media team continued to regale us with stories of how he came down to the study to read or how he signed documents, even when it was obvious that he was unconscious.
Buhari also hid his health challenge before his 2015 election but has spent many months in hospitals since his election. While as president, Obasanjo would go to bed by 1am and wake up by 5am, President Buhari would close for the day by 4pm and will not be reached again until about 9am or 10am the next day. That is why so many memos and reports lie unapproved for months on his desk.
There is nothing wrong with being ill. Anyone can fall ill or get old. Secondly, a person who is ill or weak can live even longer than a healthy and virile person.
But there is everything wrong with “packaging” a sick man and making all attempts to deceive the people and foist him on a sick nation. Nigeria has suffered enough that it should not be made to go through the ordeal of having another absentee president.
Tinubu has achieved a lot in life. Those who love him should stop these selfish arguments of defence and image laundering and beg him to take care of his health and enjoy the peace that retirement gives. He deserves it. He should not allow the overweening quest for power to deny him that.
Azuka Onwuka
