Eminent businessman and former governor of Abia state, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has condemned the altercations between traders and demonstrators in Wuse Market yesterday. He said the actions that resulted to the clash of interests were ill conceived and inconsiderate of nature.
He said Nigerians should be a little more sensitive and respect a man (President Buhari) battling with his health, adding that health is not something any one guarantees himself.
Speaking in a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Mr Peter Eze, and released in Abuja yesterday, Kalu, who had famously defended the right of Nigerians to be heard, called for calm and greater understanding of the dynamics that hold the country together as different groups express their support for President Buhari.
He said the call on Buhari to resume or resign may have become insensitive to the president’s health condition and pains.
According to him, while it is the democratic right of Nigerians to demonstrate over any cause they strongly believe in or are against, President Buhari’s health disposition ought to be taken into consideration in the demonstrations.
He said Buhari had already expressed his desire to return as soon as his doctors discharge him, adding that the president’s recent meeting with his media team in London was reassuring and a confirmation that he is recovering fast.
Kalu also frowned at the altercation between traders and demonstrators at the Wuse Market in Abuja yesterday and urged all groups to show their respect to the president and allow him to conclude his treatment before returning to the country adding that the president won’t be happy with the altercation.
According to Kalu, President Buhari duly handed power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who is acting president at the moment, while the federal executive cabinet is intact and working on mandates.
“We need to exercise restraint while respecting the rights of everyone to express his views. It is the democratic right of every Nigerian to chose where to stand at any particular time. Therefore, the altercations are not necessary.
“I also think we should remember that President Buhari is one person among other members of the executive.
We should accommodate the fact that he duly handed over to his vice and his cabinet is intact and working to deliver on his mandate. Therefore, we should show empathy and allow him to recover fully.
“As it is, there is no vacuum in Nigeria’s leadership, and if people think things are not going on as they expect, the proper thing to do will be to direct their grievances through their elected representatives.
“So, I call on all Nigerians to allow President Buhari the time he needs to recuperate and return to work.
Anyone can take ill at any time, and when we do, we expect the sympathy and support of those around us.
“I have no doubt that President Buhari means well for our country and will not be happy with the sort of altercation that happened today at Wuse,” Kalu said.