Presidency Replies Jibrin Over ‘Buhari’s Inaction’ Statement

Recall that Jibrin had said Nigerians do not need a part time president, accusing Buhari of inactions since his return from his medical vacation, advising him to step down based on his health condition.

But in his response, Adesina said that Jibrin cannot ask the president to quit as over 15 million Nigerians voted for Buhari.

Adesina, who spoke as a guest on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, expressed confidence that Buhari will win if he contests another election.

According to him, Buhari is still trying to adapt after his longest medical vacation and its is not expected of him to “charge in like a bull” into his normal schedule.

Adesina said: “That rep (Jibrin) has given an opinion. He has a right to his opinion. We don’t begrudge him that, no one should begrudge him. But his opinion is just his opinion, it’s not the gospel.

“So, if he thinks the president can’t do the job, it is just his opinion. One vote didn’t bring the president to power. Over 15 million Nigerians voted for the president into office, so one person cannot say he should quit.

“So what he has said is his opinion and he has a right to it.”

Seun Okinbaloye, anchor of the programme asked, “Do you think if President Muhammadu Buhari goes to the poll today, he can win an election?”

Responding, Adesina said: “That would depend on Nigerians, but if you ask me as an individual, I will say, yes, the president can win and win again and again.”

Speaking further, Adesina said: “You need to be alive before you can govern. It’s only natural that if a president falls sick, he should seek medical attention.

“If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t even rule. So, it is just natural that the president went away when he needed it. And when you have been ill, to quote him, he said he had never been that sick in his life.

“So, when you come back you don’t go charging in like a bull into your normal schedule. You work yourself gradually into it, and that is what the president has been doing, and he is doing it effectively.

“When the president came back on March 10 and he addressed Nigerians. He said after some weeks, he will go back for a review. I think that is just laying the cards on the table. I think he should be commended, not some people wanting to make it an albatross around his neck. He should rather be commended for being forthright with Nigerians.

“In a matter of weeks, I will be going back for review, the president said that, and for now there is no cause for us to say he will not go back, but whenever he is going, he will make Nigerians know.”