During an interview on AriseTV with Kayode Ajulo SAN, Oseni Rufai, an Arise TV presenter, discussed the political situation in Ondo State. While proposing solutions to the issue of public office holders’ health concerns, Rufai stated that presidents in “sane climes” release periodic reports of their health checks to the public. He specifically mentioned the United States, where the president allegedly shares his health information regularly.
“Should we also put it in the constitution that public office holders like president or governor, to release periodic reports of their health, as is being done in some climes like America, where the president releases periodic report of his health check?”
Context:
Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu’s health issues have been disrupting his governance duties. He has been absent from the state for nearly six months, with varying reports about his whereabouts. The governor has yet to publicly address the people of the Sunshine State.
This situation has led to a power struggle between Akeredolu and the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The deputy governor has requested to be appointed acting governor, while the governor refuses to relinquish power. This issue has been debated at both the national and state levels. Bola Tinubu, the president of the country, has intervened to try and resolve the situation.
In addition, virtually all Nigerian presidents, since the death of Umaru Musa Yaradua, have had to travel abroad for medical attention due to health issues.
It is on this premise that Rufai, on Arise TV, recommended that the publication of periodic health records of presidents and governors be made mandatory by law, similar to the practise in the United States.
Verification:
The CDD War Room conducted research and found that American presidents have no constitutional obligation to disclose their health information to the public. Those who have done so have done so voluntarily and have only revealed selected details.
The issue of publicising presidents’ and presidential candidates’ health records and the ethics surrounding them has been a long-standing topic of discussion in the American media. The practise of health transparency by American presidents began with a presidential candidate who publicly disclosed his inability to continue campaigning due to health reasons.
However, American presidents have also been known to conceal information about their health. Former President Trump was accused by his personal physician of dictating his statement of good health and even confiscating his health records.
Verdict: MISLEADING
The CDD War Room found that the claim is misleading. There is no constitutional requirement for American presidents to release details of their health evaluations. Those who choose to do so do so at their own discretion and over the years, only few of the past American presidents have released their periodic health reports.