From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
As a section of Nigerians in some quarters call for the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari who has just returned to Nigeria from medical vacation in London, former president general of Ohaneze Ndigbo and convener of South East Elders Forum, Dr Dozie Ikedife said it was left for President Buhari to decide and that nobody could just call for his resignation without recourse to the provisions of the constitution.
Dr Ikedife said Mr. President reserved the right to say that he would continue as President or not, based on the way he felt. He argued that even as President Buhari had returned to Nigeria he could still be allowed some periods of rest, if there was need for that.
“If you talk about resignation, you have to refer to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. What the constitution says about somebody in that position should be looked at. Somebody in that position should be able to say, I am able, willing and ready or gentlemen I have done my best. Let someone else take over. He reserves the right to say so.
“The only time when other people will come in is when his sanity is in doubt. Then you need certification from psychiatrists to say that the man has become insane. But as for being able, you need the certification of medical doctors to say he will be able or he will not be able,” Dr Ikedife submitted.
On Buhari’s death rumour before he returned to Nigeria, Ikedife said that at least his return had put an end to that. He warned that Nigerians should desist from rumours capable of destabilising the nation.
“Nobody will live forever. However, people should stop the wicked and unfounded rumours about life and death of anybody or of anything whatsoever. At this stage, I think Nigeria should enact a law, if none is in existence that should make it possible for people who peddle rumours of that magnitude and with no basis to be arrested and prosecuted for our national interest. “And the media, both the social and traditional media should not dish out any information to the gullible and unsuspecting public. The media must investigate every story so as to avoid feeding the public with false information and I know that in journalism, opinion is free but facts are sacred. We say welcome to Mr. President and we wish him speedy full recovery.