President Muhammadu Buhari has postponed his scheduled medical trip to London.
He was originally scheduled to travel out Friday, June 25, for routine medical follow-ups.
However, Buhari’s spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adesina, said a new date would be announced soon for the trip.
A terse statement by Adesina read: “The medical follow-up visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the United Kingdom earlier scheduled for today, Friday, June 25, 2021, has been postponed.”
He did not give any reason for the postponement.
But earlier on Thursday, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had issued a fresh four-week ultimatum to the Federal and state governments to address its demands including the payment of hazard allowances to its members. The doctors warned that they will resume strike if the governments fail to address their grievances.
Besides, unconfirmed reports said Nigerians resident in the UK were already mobilizing to stage a massive protest, which they hoped would embarrass Nigerian government.
Nonetheless, several Nigerians on social media have criticized the president for choosing to travel abroad for medical treatment, while his government failed to fix the country’s hospitals.
A tweep, @akinolaanthony4, wrote: “Many Nigerians died because of the failed health care system, as they cannot travel abroad for treatments. They cannot even afford a dollar for their daily meals due to the level of poverty. This is a woefully failed government oiling Nigerians’ heads with bad luck.”
Another tweep @ dwaynecarterdon, referred to the President as a “leader who does not patronize homemade (doctors) but forcing citizens to do so.”
“Can’t they bring the equipment into Nigeria, and the ‘special’ doctors fly in to see him? It will save taxpayers’ money and also, the hospital can help other Nigerians with like ailments,” @namdi95748363 suggested.
@sasanni99 tweeted, “You all think these people care. During the campaign, they promised Nigerians London/American standard hospitals to save revenue. So do we even have Ghana standard now?”
@monnyx4 also tweeted, “Buhari leaves for check up in the UK while health workers in his country are threatening to strike. I wonder the fate of the poor. Someone will come out and defend him for this irresponsible action, it’s a pity”
“What an irony! Clearly, no Nigerian doctor can treat Buhari,” @imohrich exclaimed.