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While celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, Barack Obama wrote on his social media accounts, “Miche, after 30 years, I’m not sure why you look exactly the same and I don’t. I do know that I won the lottery that day—that I couldn’t have asked for a better life partner,”. A short while reading Obama’s anniversary post, I started ruminating on Obama’s bewilderment about his wife’s look. And the fact that he was not sure of the reasons why she looked as young as she looked 30 years ago. As I continued thinking about it, the videos of Bola Tinubu cycling on a stationary bike were uploaded in my mind. I also remembered the Ebonyi State governor’s remark – “Nobody is totally well, stop being petty” when referring to the vibes about Tinubu’s health on social media. Personally, I recently attained a weight that I am not comfortable with and so, the health conversation on the APC and PDP candidates got my attention because like most of us, I want to age gracefully.

As much as I believe that no one’s health should be debated and caricatured the way Tinubu’s health has been handled, I also know that once you decide to run for a public office, your personal matter becomes public. Your well kept family secrets and follies becomes a delicious meal for tabloid writers and bloggers who do not care about the harm such posts can cause. The health of a presidential hopeful cannot be swept under the carpet. There are too many things at stake for Nigeria and Nigerians for us to ignore the health of any presidential candidate. Even if Buhari, who many thought would be succeeded halfway by his vice – Yemi Osinbajo, became healthier, we cannot play that same gamble with the Boko Haramed Shettima. Ordinarily, the health status of Presidential candidates should be public knowledge. Such a declaration would put an end to these endless speculations.

Newton’s third law of motion famously says: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. As we continue to scrutinize the health of our presidential hopefuls, we should not forget to scrutinize our own health. As Newton’s law suggests, there is a reason why you look older or younger than your age group, friends, or contemporaries. If Obama rewinds the videotapes of his marriage, he will discover that Michelle’s youthfulness or graceful aging is not rocket science after all. When Michelle was still the first lady, she promoted healthy nutrition for children. She also raised awareness of physical fitness. These are two areas that the former President would most likely not be found wanting. However, when you add the stress of being the leader of the United States and the democratic world, you will understand why Barack Obama has aged ungracefully. Living a healthy life is a function of having healthy habits. So, as we focus on Bola Tinubu’s health, make sure that you are healthy enough to pursue your dreams and aspirations with habits that will not derail your ambition.

Ata Ukuta, Editor – Towncryyers