The Presidency has spoken on series of reactions, which followed, the news of the State House’s Media and Publicity Department to air “The Human Side of President Buhari” documentary, slated for Sunday 24 and Monday 25 December, 2017 on NTA and Channels TV respectively.
Speaking on the reactions in a statement in Abuja ahead of take off of the airing on Sunday, the Special Adviser to the President Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, acknowledged the mixed reactions, which he described as borne out of both appreciable genuine concern and virulent comments coming from inveterate complainers.
Mr. Adesina gave it back to those who queried why the documentary was coming at a time the obviously artificial or inexistent fuel scarcity was said to be in the country that life should not be all about doom and gloomy.
The President’s SAMP said in full, “I have read a lot of reactions, particularly online, on the timing of the airing of the documentary on President Muhammadu Buhari, slated for December 24 and 25, 2017, respectively, by 8 p.m on NTA and Channels Television.
“Some of the comments are borne out of genuine concern, which we appreciate, while others are virulent, coming from inveterate complainers. Fault finding is the stock-in-trade of such people, and if they mistakenly find themselves in Heaven, they would even complain against God. They have no other pastime.
“The reactions mainly dwell on the fact that a documentary showing the human side of the President (as against the well known iron and steel) is coming at a time there is severe fuel scarcity in the country. And I say, why not? Is life all about doom and gloom? Must we sit in ashes and wear sackcloth perpetually, and ignore the brighter side of life? God forbid!
“The current fuel crisis is a combination of snafu (Situation Normal All Fouled Up) in the distribution process of petrol (which the NNPC admitted at the onset of the problem), and deliberate mischief and sabotage by some marketers, who want to force the hands of government to increase the pump price. Then, the situation is further compounded by hoarding of products, and panic buying. And government is working round the clock to restore normalcy, which will come in a matter of time.
“Should we then be perpetually like King Lear at his worst, and consign ourselves to the doldrums occasioned by fuel scarcity at a festive period? No. Despite the temporal pains, life must continue, and we must look at the cheery side, while government works hard to bring succour.
“That is why I disagree with armchair critics, who wail at the drop of a hat. Millions of Nigerians appreciate President Buhari, love him passionately, and would watch the airing of the documentary, which shows the President in a perspective not very well known before.
“It’s a spice for the holiday season, and not even ephemeral fuel crisis would dampen the enthusiasm of positive minded Nigerians.”
