Nigerians fume as ailing leader passes 100 days abroad

Until Tuesday’s clash the media had been the main battleground for the debate around Buhari’s absence.

The local press has been alive with comment pieces, some calling for the president to step down and others accusing his critics of treason.

Some commentators have even speculated that Buhari died during his convalescence in London, a fact they believe is being covered up by the authorities.

And on social media #ReturnOrResign has punctuated discussions about the future of the country.

One news site has a digital counter showing how long Buhari has been out of the country, reaching 100 days on Wednesday.

Oputa’s daily protest vigils have been largely eclipsed by far greater numbers of well-organised pro-Buhari demonstrators.

Sixteen bus-loads of tightly controlled young Muslim men from northern Kano state fanned out around the dry Unity Fountain on Monday, wielding placards with slogans defending the president.

– ‘There’s no vacuum’ –

Two organisers approached by AFP insisted the contingent was not sponsored by the government.

“The constitution allows Mr President to go out and seek medical attention,” said 36-year-old Adeshina Luckman of the Conference of Patriotic Nigerians. “As far as we are concerned, there’s no vacuum.”

Amaka Anthony, 43, a teacher, said the president’s absence had “not made much difference”.

“There are those who represent him who should be able to handle it,” she said.

She might be right. The acting president’s peace talks with armed fighters in the Niger delta have helped halt attacks on oil infrastructure, lifting output and boosting government coffers.

Last week, Buhari published a photo of himself with top aides at the Nigerian diplomatic residence in London receiving an oversized get well card.

“I feel I could go home,” he said in a statement. “But the doctors are in charge. I’ve now learnt to obey orders, rather than be obeyed.”

Some Nigerians remain sceptical about the president’s behaviour.

“Back in 2010 when our former president, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was sick… Buhari was among those who clamoured for him to resign,” said Samuel, a 25-year-old business consultant based in Lagos.

“That’s hypocrisy if you ask me.”