Amidst public outcry on the timing and frequency of his medical trips abroad, President Muhammadu Buhari has shelved his planned medical trip to London.
Presidential Spokesperson, Femi Adesina, had on Thursday announced that President Buhari will on Friday proceed to London for “a scheduled medical follow-up.”
But on Friday, Mr Adesina said the President would not be travelling after all, and that a new date would be in due course soon for the trip.
The Friday statement 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.”
Even before the trip was cancelled, some Nigerians have taken to the Social Media to criticize it especially as it was timed amidst looming threats of industrial action by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
NARD had on Thursday issued a fresh four-week ultimatum to the federal and state governments to address its demands including the payment of hazard allowances.
In anger, Nigerians have taken to their Social Media of angst and defiance, Twitter, to vent their criticisms.
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.