Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has revealed that former President Muhammadu Buhari might not have survived his serious health challenges if he had relied solely on medical care provided in Nigerian hospitals.
Adesina made this candid remark during a special live programme aired on Channels Television, which was organized as a tribute to the late president. The discussion focused on Buhari’s life, leadership, and the controversial issues surrounding his frequent medical trips abroad during his time in office.
Responding to criticisms that Buhari often traveled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment instead of utilizing Nigerian healthcare facilities, Adesina defended the decision strongly. He explained that it was not a matter of luxury or disregard for the local healthcare system but a crucial choice made to preserve Buhari’s life.
He said …
“Buhari always had his medicals in London, even when he was not in the office. So it was not about the time he was president alone. He had always had it there.”
Adesina further elaborated that the UK-based doctors had been overseeing Buhari’s treatment and medical records long before he became president in 2015. This continuity of care was vital, and abruptly changing to a new medical team in Nigeria could have posed significant risks to his health.
He argued that Buhari’s decision to continue his treatment abroad was motivated by the doctors' in-depth understanding of his medical history, combined with the deficiencies within Nigeria’s healthcare system at the time.
He said …
“One has to be alive first to get certain things corrected or changed in the country. If Buhari had said he would do his medicals here as a show of patriotism or something, he could have long been dead because there may not be the expertise needed in the country.”
Adesina stressed that Buhari’s survival and continued ability to lead Nigeria were largely due to the high standard of medical expertise and attention he received abroad. Without these, he might not have been able to perform his duties effectively or live as long as he did.
He stated …
“He needed to be alive to be able to lead the country to a point where we would have that expertise. So those who complained about his frequent medical trips abroad don’t know that the man needed to be alive first before you can make a change.”
Furthermore, Adesina emphasized that Buhari’s medical trips should not be misinterpreted as acts of extravagance or lack of patriotism. Instead, they were necessary measures to ensure his survival and ability to fulfill his role as president despite the serious health challenges he faced.
In conclusion, Adesina maintained that Buhari’s reliance on foreign medical care was a matter of necessity and survival, highlighting the urgent need for improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare system to avoid similar situations for future leaders and citizens alike.