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Given the arduous demands of the Office of the President and governors, and the action instituted before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, by a human rights group, Centre for Good Governance demanding to know the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari, health experts say medical reports should be made pre-requisites for candidates seeking political offices.
According to them, this would spare the country the misfortune of being saddled with leaders whose medical challenges adversely affect their performance.
American President, Donald Trump, Friday, had his annual medical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre, a year after his doctor advised him to up his exercise regimen and slash calories.
“I am happy to announce the President of the United States is in very good health and I anticipate he will remain so for the duration of his Presidency, and beyond,” the president’s physician wrote afterward.
Modern day presidents have undergone regular examinations in order to trap any potential problems on the way, as well as assure the public that they are fit for office. But Buhari spent over 100 days in London treating a medical condition that is still unknown to Nigerians till date.
“Without a doubt, the demands of political leadership, especially the office of the President of any nation requires that the holder of such office should be in sound state of health,” the President, Nigeria Medical Association, (NMA), Francis Faduyile told The Guardian, adding: “The school of thought that has been clamoring for this the world over premised their argument on the incidences of ill health that prevented occupiers of such offices from being able to discharge the attached duties and responsibilities, and with deaths in some instances from conditions that were previously known.
“It is a fact that certain health conditions may become aggravated by stress and exertion, which may come with electioneering campaigns and the demands of the office of the President. The public declaration of the state of health or the knowledge of it, will guide the electorate in making informed decisions about the candidates, especially in developed democracy. It is also considered as part of accountability process (as an intending high ranking public officer).