Opinion
Buhari And The Jubrin Mystery
By Ken Tadaferua
It is wildly preposterous, the rumour trending on social media and across the country, that the man presiding over the nation from Aso Rock, is not the elected President Muhammadu Buhari.
The troubling assertion is that a Buhari doppelgänger called Jubrin was conjured up to replace our president, who rumour mongers passionately insist had passed on to the fluffy realm of spirits. This is the stuff of horror movies. To give vim to the ghostly tittle-tattle, death certificates of the General are on sail, floating amidst the flotsam of the Internet.
Meanwhile the single-name- surname-less Jubrin reportedly from Niger Republic is said to so resemble Buhari (except for a cleft ear, broad nose bridge and teenager fresh hands) as to totally fool family and aides. Perhaps Buhari had a twin brother tucked away in some remote hamlet in Niger Republic for the over seven decades of their lives, waiting just for this opportune moment, this preplanned opportunity, to pop up and take over his dead brother’s place as president. That’s what a really long term strategy execution is about. But this is more like a cartoon movie storyline.
It does seem the only folks privy to the mysterious Aso Rock presumed human exchange deal, are select members of Buhari’s inner caucus, a tight-lipped concentric circle of conspiracy. These few hooded men, like mafia dons, are said to have executed the diabolic, high wire, high tension swap of Buhari with Jubrin, in a devious gamble and desperate political jig to remain in power, after their principal’s demise.
But the rumours, no matter how embellished, the whispering insinuations, no matter how persuasive, are nothing but what they are: a narrative out of the fertile imagination of a vile propagandist. A load of dangerous and toxic propaganda, if you ask me. Yet, there must be a purpose for this silly morbid tale. To discredit Aso Rock power brokers as diabolically dubious? Or to satisfy a ghoulish desire to be rid of Buhari, even if only in the virtual world or as a hologram? Which is funny, because the real Buhari is so hardcore analogue that it is impossible to fit him into anything digital.
Still, it is hard to blame many folks who are a tad hesitant to outrightly dismiss the rumours. In Nigeria, the zest for political power can be ruthless, macabre, diabolic. Arsenals deployed by politicians include vicious religious/ethnic hate campaigns, massacres, assassinations, kidnappings.
Throw in the consult of the occult, shrines, marabouts, voodoo priests. Then top it with hideous animal and human sacrifices (remember the Otokoto ritual saga of 1996 and Abacha’s rumoured burial of live cows in Aso Rock?) Anything to get power or retain political power. But it really isn’t only about power.
In a country that runs a unitary system where the political centre controls national resources and revenues, political power is that sure source of the sweet sauce: Easy, unearned, billions of dollars in personal pockets.
This is one reason why folks are skeptical and slow to shake off, no matter how far fetched, the tall tale that Aso Rock’s power brokers organised a Buhari double or doppelgänger to continue control over political power and free loot.
If, therefore, Nigerians are hesitant to dismiss the rumours of a dead Buhari and the emergence of a Jubrin in Aso Rock, it will not be out of foolhardiness. The Yar’Adua saga is a clear precedence of the diabolic capacity of Nigeria’s power brokers to be utterly immoral, vicious, manipulative and ruthless worshippers of the very dark arts of greedy, selfish power.
Here’s another reason. Only eight years ago in 2010, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was pronounced dead after long months of speculations about an illness that led to his being flown, in November 2009, to a Saudi Arabia clinic. And after one of the most vicious and dangerous power intrigues in our history. A small knot of family and close knit power brokers held the nation to ransom. They totally blacked out information on the nature of the president’s illness. There were no updates on treatment progress. There was no word on the wild rumours flying around that Yar’Adua was already dead in Saudi Arabia.
Exploiting the information blackout and acts of secrecy, Yar’Adua’s own circle of conspiracy ran the country and the free loot from oil. Key documents including the appropriation bill, were signed, supposedly by an incapacitated and dying, if not, already dead man. The Aso Rock mafia conjured and created magic. In February 2010, the mafia, still bent on clinging to power, secretly flew in Yar’Adua (dead or alive? We don’t know) under the cover of night and empty, blacked out, airport darkness, directly to the seat of power, Aso Rock.
The intrigues brewed. The rumours flew. Some dignitaries reportedly visited the ailing president and announced with awada kerikeri gusto that Yar’Adua was recuperating fast. Was he? But there were no words from him. Nothing. The country was mystified. Perhaps after loading their goodie bags and following a rising civil uproar over the state of the president, the Aso Rock mafia dons finally pronounced the president dead on May 5, 2010.
This was not long ago. History is a teacher. If, therefore, Nigerians are hesitant to dismiss the rumours of a dead Buhari and the emergence of a Jubrin in Aso Rock, it will not be out of foolhardiness. The Yar’Adua saga is a clear precedence of the diabolic capacity of Nigeria’s power brokers to be utterly immoral, vicious, manipulative and ruthless worshippers of the very dark arts of greedy, selfish power.
Fast forward to February 2016. Another president, this time Muhammadu Buhari heads to London (Saudi Arabia was wisely avoided this time) on a six-day medical vacation. A concerned citizenry asked questions about their president’s illness but Aso Rock flippantly declared Buhari was “fit as a fiddle” and snapped shut on details.
In June 2016, the “fit as a fiddle” Buhari was again off to London on another ten day medical vacation. In January 2017, he jetted off yet again to the London hospital, from where he asked for extension of his medical leave. He returned after 51 days in March 2017. Just before you are able to take a breather, he goes off again to his hospital bed in May 2017 to return after a world record 104 days in August 2017. He made the fifth medical trip in May 2018.
The president returned from his medical treatments looking gaunt and sickly. Yet in the five medical trips spread over two years until today, there was and still has been no word on the nature of his illness. Nothing. Just like Yar’Adua’s case. Again like Yar’Adua, hordes of dignitaries reportedly visited him and returned with pictures to say the president was doing well. But from what was he doing well? Nothing. It was easier to open a crocodile’s jaw clamp-up than get answers on Buhari’s illness.
Although, unlike Yar’Adua, President Buhari handed over the reins of power to his deputy, and not a few scoffed as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was perceived an outsider of Buhari’s inner circle. The Aso Rock cabal were in charge. As proof, fingers pointed at the multi-billion dollar NNPC project approval taken all the way to a prostrate, ailing president to sign in London. Recall the fathom signature of Yar’Adua on the appropriation bill? A president who had handed over power to his vice president signing a billion dollar oil deal. The intrigues were building up.
Worse, like in the case of the late President Yar’Adua, the elephant in the room was deliberately stymied information management. The secrecy around the nature of Buhari’s illness. It still remains the most tightly kept secret of this administration. His media handlers and inner circle dons have held an omertà like silence over this simple matter.
Once again, I declare that doppelgänger Jubrin does not exist. It is hay-headed propaganda. But I have this niggling feeling that something is not right in Aso Rock. Something is being hidden. That is what all the secrecy is about. The womb of time will reveal the cankerworms.
The produce? Wild rumours. In this modern age when daily or weekly media briefings are given on the progress of a hospitalised president, why is that of Nigeria different? What is Buhari and the power mongers around him in Aso Rock hiding? Is Buhari’s illness an embarrassing disease, that may bring to question his personal morality, like an acute stage of a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea or syphilis? If not, why hide the illness?
Many surmise that he is suffering from cancer (probably prostate) and probably undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Which likely explains why he looked so deathly wizened after his second and third visits to London. But as with successful chemo treatments, the patient can regain vitality and even look better with good diet and medication. But if a man like Buhari in his 70s suffers from cancer, why keep it a secret?
All badly managed communications cause rumours to mushroom and become a perfect platform for mischief makers or deliberate damage propaganda by political opponents. It is my view that the Jubrin narrative is a carefully orchestrated conspiracy theory. But then it sprouted and spread on the lifeblood of government’s inexcusable communication failings on Buhari’s illness. Aso Rock is the first culprit. It created the fertile environment in which the rumour seeds were planted and germinated. Then the other culprit, the vectors are exploiting the provided environment for the rapid dispersal of the Jubrin fruits.
Although I hope government information managers, presidential handlers and Aso Rock power brokers will learn a lesson or two from this Jubrin saga. I know it is hope wasted. The Yar’Adua situation was only a few years ago. We repeat history. We learn nothing.
The communication management of government and Aso Rock is frozen in inactivity and silence, even with the Jubrin propaganda flaring like harmattan wild fire across the country. Using silence as a strategy option is to expect rumours of a dead Buhari and the Jubrin doppelgänger would die out.
It however cannot be an effective option because it relies on the wrong approach that hides information from the public. To counter the rumours, government has to exploit the much touted Buhari integrity. The president should be open and frank about his illness. He could address a press conference where he talks frankly about his illness, his recovery and with a sense of humour declare jokingly: “I am Muhammadu Buhari, your president. Ignore the mischievous Jubrin rumours” or something to that effect.
It is the virtues of integrity, honesty and openness in information management that prevents rumour and its damage on persons and institutions, even countries. The irony is President Buhari is reputedly endowed with these virtues. But is he? If he is why the secrecy about his illness? What is it in Aso Rock that makes presidents hide their illness from citizens who foot the thousands of dollars spent on their treatment? Some say his illness is personal. I say boo. Who can be more public that the president? He spends public money for treatment but his illness is private? Arrant bull. What is our number one public personality hiding?
Once again, I declare that doppelgänger Jubrin does not exist. It is hay-headed propaganda. But I have this niggling feeling that something is not right in Aso Rock. Something is being hidden. That is what all the secrecy is about. The womb of time will reveal the cankerworms.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Oriental Times
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 9:15 pm
His children suddenly don’t talk again.. Mostly her daughter. She is afraid of being convicted of conspiracy
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 9:00 pm
The difference is clear
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 8:56 pm
Yes something cooking in Aso rock clear, shine your eye wella .
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 8:17 pm
Politics Propaganda nah now wee election dey reach all Nigerians eyes clear!! Don’t believe this rubbish
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 9:11 pm
If your brain is damaged, other people’s brain are still intact.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 9:19 pm
Pereere Ugonna shot up man what do you know about Jubril? Why this issue is not look into for a long time.nah now una eyes clear.my friend go and sit down you don’t know what is politics
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 8:15 pm
But since then why people close mouth till now
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 8:03 pm
Oriental@ I see you people re beginning to reason proper buy drink for MNK@
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:54 pm
7up the difference is clear
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:52 pm
The difference is clear
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:47 pm
The difference between the two is very much clear
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:40 pm
Oga remove yr cap let us see something are you mad
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:15 pm
Simple instruction,Buhari remove your cap
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:02 pm
You people are facebook cockroaches,making rubbish comments. Very soon ota pia pia will treat your madness
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:57 pm
Musa Musakor African Union Heads of State and Government have observed a minutes’s silence in the memory of late Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday during the 28th ordinary session of AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
During the official opening session of the AU Summit, Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno, the incumbent AU President, invited the African leaders to ovserve a minute’s silence in the memory of “our late brother,” the NIgeria President Muhammadu Buhari.
African leaders have gathered in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, to attend the Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union(AU).
The Summit, which is to take place from 30th to 31st January, will be preceded by a meeting of the Executive Council.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:59 pm
The picture is becoming more clearer…. Jubril pack ur bag and goooo
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:58 pm
Jubril abeg u go con go back to your country o
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:51 pm
Hmmmmm OH LORD JESUS CHRIST HELP OUR COUNTRY NIGERIA
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:49 pm
“Once again, I declare that doppelgänger Jubrin does not exist. It is hay-headed propaganda. But I have this niggling feeling that something is not right in Aso Rock.” The writer is just playing with words. It seems he just finished reading the dictionary… n learned new words. He is not bold. Simple investigative journalism we can practice…find out the movement patterns of the presidential fleet during the alleged time of Buhari death .. Was he in morroco,UK…then. Saudi Arabia…if the fleet did go to Saudi….for wat purpose?
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 9:05 pm
Why not use your brain for once?
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:46 pm
It’s only the Fools in Nigerian that will say they don’t know what Is going on in Aso rock. Sorry For them.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:36 pm
Igbos preferably topic, continue fooling yourselfs here b4 u realize pmb is our president in 2019
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:47 pm
see your name sef, Joseph John, this shows you are also not real all of you are SCAM
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:48 pm
Omon Cabash Snr that is d best u can do on social media
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:57 pm
Omon Cabash Snr
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:07 pm
Mr joseph what invesigatinn have you done in your ilfeless president if really is PMB,omo open your eyes before its too late.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:12 pm
I prefer my eyes close than ur yeye investigation
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 8:10 pm
Joseph John African Union Heads of State and Government have observed a minutes’s silence in the memory of late Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday during the 28th ordinary session of AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
During the official opening session of the AU Summit, Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno, the incumbent AU President, invited the African leaders to ovserve a minute’s silence in the memory of “our late brother,” the NIgeria President Muhammadu Buhari.
African leaders have gathered in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, to attend the Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union(AU).
The Summit, which is to take place from 30th to 31st January, will be preceded by a meeting of the Executive Council.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 8:21 pm
Hahaha, @ Joseph, have checked your profile not better than most of the people agitating. Pray your God to save you from mental slavery at least for the betterment of your children. Buhari,with his millions will not recognise you or even give you money if seen on the road. Justice, equity, fairness, sustainable and consistence economy that is what all these agitation is about, dont look at it in one angle ok
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 8:29 pm
Joseph John happy slave, idiot is not ur fault because u ve accepted ur fate as hausa foolani slave, look at animal his people re been killed daily is here talking rubbish, I wish with dis stupidity u display here dat hausa foolani will soon cut off dis ur stupid head, happy slave
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 8:36 pm
Joseph John joke apart let’s take a closer look….
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 9:16 pm
All of u talking here don’t make any sense, my brain is working perfectly, go tell that 2 ur kids
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:35 pm
This is becoming more serious
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:34 pm
Jubiri must die like late buhari .
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:29 pm
Nothing will be hidden forever.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:29 pm
ATIKU WAS GIVEN AN ASSIGNMENT TO SWEAR WITH KORAN IF HE NEVER KNOWN NOTHING ABOUT JUBRIL, BUT HE. NEVER SAY ANYTHING YET
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:29 pm
Jubril pls remove your cap ooo b
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:27 pm
God help Nigeria
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:27 pm
There is something really going on, what a country!
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:27 pm
Its simple logic, is annoying that the acclaimed intelligent region is still dumb to it. If the assumption (still wondering if is an assumption now, with the facts presented) that the president is a clone (which is quite possible with the level of technology and plastic surgery). Then they are playing smarter game using his brother as a replacement in case he lost, he wouldn’t investigate the imposter and the vicious circle continues!!!
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:04 pm
you made a brilliant point my brother
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:23 pm
What are dey waiting for
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:22 pm
Is the same man he has not eating good food the time he took the rough picture na. So he need to be fresh do you know his settings? Power in his hand, 10 professional medical doctors. Food text, free travels and lots more why wouldn’t him change and be fresh? Is BUHARI and they know is him. What are you telling me do you think if this man is not Buhari that desperate opposition candidates will never come up with proofs to nail him down.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:25 pm
The opposition are bying to strike at the last minute.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 8:06 pm
Kenechi Uzochukwu African Union Heads of State and Government have observed a minutes’s silence in the memory of late Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday during the 28th ordinary session of AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
During the official opening session of the AU Summit, Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno, the incumbent AU President, invited the African leaders to ovserve a minute’s silence in the memory of “our late brother,” the NIgeria President Muhammadu Buhari.
African leaders have gathered in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, to attend the Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union(AU).
The Summit, which is to take place from 30th to 31st January, will be preceded by a meeting of the Executive Council.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:21 pm
Lies can’t prevail forever, one day the truth shall be exposed to the shame of manipulators
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:19 pm
I now believe that there wont be election next year as this jubril thing will explode and foriegn powers will intervene. I am just thinking whats and what might happen. kai! My head is bursting oooo.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:19 pm
90% of yorobbers are goats
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:43 pm
98% of igbos r ducks
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:49 pm
Joseph John
Odee…u guys are the problem of Nigeria due to ur selfishness.. oloriburuku
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:13 pm
They are hiding jubril in aso villa
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:13 pm
Hahah people are Waking up,something we have discovered since last year but its baffles how men/women haven’t decode
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:12 pm
something is not right because u are too blind folded to see that jubril will continue till 2023 mtchewww….pmb for continuity!
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:17 pm
That’s shows how foolish you are. Somebody from Sudan will rule you illiterate cow till 2023.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:18 pm
Stupid Ahmed
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:50 pm
MD Ahmed They will keep deceiving themselves till 2023,i swear PMB to the next level ✌
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:54 pm
Aminat Suleiman oriental times blogger is an enemy to d nation n biafrua page.
Team next level we are…..thumbs up aminat!
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:14 pm
It will explode and sweep Team Next Level away. How can they survive the Jubril saga!
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 7:15 pm
Rich Mann once it explodes,we extinguished,no cause for alarm!
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:10 pm
For real I now agreed is fake Buhari we are supporting ooo,why is he avoiding crowd? What on earth will make him not attended a book lunch of whom by his good decision surrendered power to you, made you president you have been dying to get for years.what excuse do you have? What function did you went for that is more important than this?Nigeria don enter one chance ooo..no Wonder those Governors who claimed to visit him in London then were making threats of if they provoke them they will say what will burn Aso Rock down.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:48 pm
My brother, the fake buhari is afraid of journalists to avoid disgrace that was why
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:10 pm
Nigeria is a terrorist state created by British dictatorship terrorist government and control by Fulani terrorist government and must be abolished now before its too late
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:46 pm
And u r 1 of d big terrorist in Nigerian
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:09 pm
Jubrin parading itself as Buhari dead president will be disgraced very very soon
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:09 pm
Kerosene is nw #250 per liter shame to next level
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 8:20 pm
Hmmm next level
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 8:47 pm
Adams Oshiomole Wii soon dumps APC for PDP
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:08 pm
I am beginning to be afraid simething is fishy.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:07 pm
African Union Heads of State and Government have observed a minutes’s silence in the memory of late Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday during the 28th ordinary session of AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
During the official opening session of the AU Summit, Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno, the incumbent AU President, invited the African leaders to ovserve a minute’s silence in the memory of “our late brother,” the NIgeria President Muhammadu Buhari.
African leaders have gathered in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, to attend the Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union(AU).
The Summit, which is to take place from 30th to 31st January, will be preceded by a meeting of the Executive Council.
Anonymous
November 20, 2018 at 6:06 pm
And everything will soon expose to the world and all the bandits involve in that imposter must summon to book.jubril D,imposter