Tobi Aworinde

Nigerians have expressed concerns on how much the physical appearance of President Muhammadu Buhari has changed over the past few months.

While comparing the 2015 and 2017 photos of the President on social media last week, concerned citizens bemoaned the President’s frail looks.

The two photos, placed side by side and trending online, showed Buhari looking significantly leaner in one than the other.

The President also appeared pale and shaven-headed in the frail-looking picture, with his native hat slouched over his forehead.

Again, several Nigerians took to the comments section of a video posted on PUNCH’s Facebook page, in which Buhari was seen attending Juma’at prayers on Friday, to express concerns over the President’s uncharacteristic gait and fragile appearance.

Omitibayo Adetoro said, “Today, I tried to look at Muhammadu Buhari with the following questions on my mind: What if he were my father and in this condition. How would I have felt?

“What if he were my brother, uncle, grandfather or friend? How would I have felt? What if I were the person in his condition with such excruciating pain? How would I have felt?

“These questions made me reflect deeply and empathise with him. They made me feel sympathy for him, his family, friends and associates. Today, I looked at him and realised that before us is an elderly man, who is ill and he deserves our sympathy and prayers, no matter our political, ethnic or religious differences.”

Another Nigerian, Chimdi Ukeka Chai, said, “The father of our nation is really sick, looks frail and weak. May God heal you and restore strength to your bones and flesh. If it’s rest you need, and (if) I’m in the position to approve (some time off), I will give you more than the days you ask for, while (Vice-President Yemi) Osibanjo continues to stand in for you in acting capacity till you fully recover.”

Ogazi Emeka Marcillinus wrote, “I would never wish Buhari or any human being evil, but as I can see in this video, this man is not well. Please, he should take care of himself.”

Okey Egwuogu expressed similar concerns, saying although no one wished the President ill, “you all can see that he’s in a sorry state.”

Egwuogu added, “The cabal just wants to remain relevant, hence they are ‘stage-managing’ him (I guess against his wishes). Please, Aisha (Buhari) should let the cabal know that they will be held responsible for whatever happens to her husband.”

Similarly, Kinggerald Amiesia said, “Why are they ‘stage-managing’ him? In my good, honest opinion, he should resign. There is no presidential title in the afterlife. You people should allow him to rest.”

Paul Ogheneruemu, said, “This video has proven that Buhari is not feeling fine. He needs rest. The situation of Nigeria is beyond human comprehension. To rule Nigeria is not by force.”

Michael Philip Udoh added, “This man is visibly frail, staggering between steps. Can he just not save himself from the power-hungry cabal and face his health?”

Brave Achiever said, “Honestly, from the video, it shows he’s not feeling fine. I really wish you quick recovery sir.”

Another Nigerian, Chukwuma Uzor, said, “I’m not a supporter of President Buhari, but I wish him well. This picture is not encouraging at all. I pray God heals him. We wish people well, no matter how bad they treat us, so as to gain the Almighty’s favour.”

Dogonyaro Polycarp added, “I am very worried. I wish PMB well, but truly, cabals are not fair to PMB. They should allow the baba to proceed on medical leave or resign. Indeed, his health condition is bad.”

The President of the NMA, Prof. Mike Ogirima, in an interview with The PUNCH on Thursday, had said Buhari’s disclosure of his health status would douse tension and rumours about his well-being.

Ogirima said, “He is the number one public servant and the father of the nation. He has rights and privileges. It will douse a lot of rumours and tension, if he discloses his health status to the public.”

Punchng