Ex-lawmaker says president's health will affect outcome of 2019 election

Punch reports that the former lawmaker shed some light on the president's health and how it could affect the 2019 presidential election in a recent interview.

When asked about the president's refusal to tell Nigerians about his state of health, he said he thought Buhari should have done things differently.

In his words, "Ideally, I think he should have done so even though there is no law which requires him to do so. It would have been better for him to calm the nerves and the psyche of the nation because of the uncertainty which has bedevilled the country (because of issues surrounding his poor health). There are a lot of rumours and occasionally, some opportunistic and reckless statements emanate from some characters who are active players in the political circle, including non-politicians. I wouldn’t want to hold that against him because before he left, there was no indication that he was going to leave in a hurry.

Being a professional in that field (health care), when a patient leaves in a hurry because the doctors handling his case insist that he should leave in a hurry, we must not make an issue out of that. It is important that he travels to take care of his health. I am glad that for the second time he has left the country to seek medical attention, he has the presence of mind to send the requisite letter to the National Assembly.

In the situation we have found ourselves, Buhari is a public property. He is the president of Nigeria. People are concerned about the well-being and state of health of the President of close to 200 million people. This is a President that was freely and creditably elected; they are worried about what is being said concerning the state of being of the President they freely elected – the situation needs to be properly managed. You don’t leave the management of such information to the hands of two small boys who don’t even know the formulae for water to start talking about important medical issues. From the way the President looks, talks and walks, clearly the man is not in good health."

Concerning what happens Buhari's presidency ends in 2019, Mohammed said: "One thing I know is that, if Vice President (Yemi) Osinbajo becomes the president from whatever date to 2019, he cannot contest that position again. This was the understanding that was reached with Jonathan Goodluck (with the PDP) and he reneged on it and nearly threw the country into a civil war.

This time around, those, whether from the North, South-South, South-West or South-East, who sign agreements with whomever, must make such public. They should also state the time when this agreement will come into force. We cannot now avoid the constitution. If there is the need to follow the constitution we must follow the letter and spirit of the constitution – that is up till 2019. Beyond that, power should come back to where Buhari comes from and remain there for a solid eight to 10 years – unless in running for a second term the person loses re-election. There is nothing one can do about that."

ALSO READ: It's official, President will seek re-election in 2019

On the Federal Government's decision to swap Boko Haram commanders for the Chibok girls, he said he thinks it's a good idea.

He said: "I think what happened should be applauded. If my daughter was to be in the situation the Chibok girls found themselves, whatever is done to bring her home, I will support. If money has been paid, I will support the payment of such.

There is the issue of so-called commanders in Boko Haram who were said to have been released. If at all they are commanders, taking them away from the theatre of war for the last three years has rendered them useless even if they go back – because the operational theatre has changed."

In the past, Mohammed has criticized Buhari’s government for hinting that the president will seek re-election in 2019.

The President was sworn in on May 29, 2015, and will complete his first term of office in 2019.