Yar’Adua’s Health: ANPP Abhors Politicization

Editor,
It could be described as maturity on display; an official statement that came from the ANPP through its National Publicity Secretary, Emma Eneukwu, on the health situation of

of President Yar'Adua. ANPP had advised Nigerians not to politicize the illness of President Umaru Yar'Adua in the interest of the nation.

Some group of 57 prominent Nigerians, which included some PDP chieftains, have allegedly called for the resignation of Yar'Adua. But the ANPP in The Nation newspaper 3/12/09 on page 4, in a story entitled “Don't politicize the illness, says ANPP”, was quoted as saying “No one would wish evil for his loved ones, not to talk of losing him or her, so it is improper to wish President Yar'Adua dead. It is also not good to make mockery of the situation by unguarded statements, which on the long run may heat up the polity and have a negative effect on the collective well being of the citizenry”

In the front page of Leadership newspaper 3/12/09, it was alleged that former President Obasanjo was already proposing Yobe Governor Lamido to be Jonathan's deputy in the case he (Jonathan) became sworn in as President. It will also be recalled that in the media recently it was speculated and alleged (ahead of 2011) a PDP presidential joint-ticket of Governor Goje of Gombe State and Governor Akpabio of Akwa Ibom for President and Vice President respectively; since the report appeared in the media, no official rebuttal from the duo. What this portends is the belief that there are many persons in the PDP already feeling sure that if Yar'Adua manages to finish his current term, he would definitely not be allowed for a second term; even if his health improves.

The caring comment coming from ANPP as a rival party is worthy of emulation because there is no mortal who would not die; it all depends on how and when.

Dr. Julius Madaki

3, Seriki Close

Bauchi, Bauchi State