Nigerians on social media have been condemning the absence of the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, from the 2022 Nigerian Bar Association conference which was held in Lagos State on Monday.
It was gathered that Kashim Shettima, Tinubu’s running mate, was the one that represented him at the biggest gathering of Nigerian legal practitioners.
Tinubu’ absence may not be unconnected to controversy around his health status.
There have been concerns from observers over Tinubu’s health status following his recent medical trip to the United Kingdom.
In July 2021, Tinubu was hospitalised in Maryland, United States.
Tinubu, who had several medical trips during the year, had surgeries and was billed for another one over a yet-to-be-disclosed illness.
“Tinubu is hospitalised in Maryland, US. His health is failing. He couldn’t participate in launching his Arewa library, and he couldn’t participate in the local government area elections last week. He could not attend today’s APC congress due to health reasons.
“He had a surgery last week,” an authoritative source had disclosed at that time.
In January 2021, Tinubu was also reported sick and hospitalised in Paris, France. Tinubu had earlier complained of exhaustion and had travelled out to rest before the news of his collapse went viral.
He was flown to Paris for medical attention in the first week of January.
SaharaReporters had in June 2021 reported that Tinubu was also in Paris battling some old age illnesses.
Some Twitter users, therefore, on Monday noted that his absence during the Monday NBA conference substantiated the claim that Tinubu was too weak to lead a diverse nation like Nigeria.
A user, Columbus wrote, “Tinubu absence from The NBA conference further reinforces the popular Opinion that Tinubu is just a presidential placeholder for his Vice President Shettima. Scary!
“Tinubu is weak and senile; he can’t stand the stress of leading a country like Nigeria. Vote Wisely!”
Another user wrote, “Tinubu is taking every step Buhari took in 2015. The same card of avoiding debates, not attending public intellectual discuss.
“Tell us why you want to be president and you’re sending a representative, same thing APC keep doing again again. Tinubu is a place holder for Shettima.”
Another user, Faith Omonye said, “This NBA drama has reinforced the popular opinion that Tinubu is just a presidential placeholder for Shettima. Nigerians, VOTE WISELY!”
Adedamola said, “They invited Tinubu but na Shettima show face. This is a preview of what Tinubu’s presidency will be like. Say NO to APC.”
Nefertiti said, “The so-called “owner” of Lagos sent in Shettima to represent him, in a conference held in Lagos. Tinubu will not attend the
Presidential Debate. Please, Shettima should wear a smile sometimes.”
“If Tinubu does not speak at NBA conference in his backyard & about issues he cares about, then something is wrong. We should do a rain check,” another user, Sam Amadi said.
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