Facebook comments and Twitter mentions reflect citizens’ views on Nigeria’s First Family getting treated abroad
In another shot at Nigeria’s healthcare system, First Lady Aisha Buhari, took to social media to announce the return of the President’s son Yusuf who went for treatment abroad
On Thursday, Yusuf, son of Nigeria’s president returned to Aso Rock and according to the account of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, he was received at the airport by the Minister of Health (State) Dr. Osagie, while at the Villa he was welcomed by family members, Wife of the Vice President, the Interior minister , Governor Yaya Bello and associates.
We thank God for the return of our son Yusuf today after his medical trip. On land at the airport he was received by the Minister of Health (State) Dr. Osagie, while at the Villa he was welcomed by family members, Wife of the Vice President, the Interior minister ,
1/2 pic.twitter.com/5d9K0lWgwq— Aisha M. Buhari (@aishambuhari) March 1, 2018
The First Lady confirmed Yusuf travelled out of the country for medical trip – a subject she had consistently called attention to since she blew up the can of worms on the poor state of Aso Rock Clinic. While her Facebook message ended with appreciation for the goodwill and prayers the First Family had gotten since the unfortunate accident, her concluding phrase, “may God Almighty bless all & continue to guide us all aright” could be a call for special intervention to the deplorable state of healthcare in Nigeria.
In the comment section, several Nigerians drew comparisons between the fate of Yusuf and that of everyday Nigerians.
“I’m glad for you that your son I back but how many Nigerians can afford the powerbike your son was cruising when he had the crash? How many can afford to go and access care overseas? I thought medical tourism was supposed to be abolished under this administration but alas alas! Your husband had multiple blood transfusions abroad, now your son too. Ma, do you know how much a pint of blood costs in a federal health institution? Do you know how many units a sickle cell patient receives in a year? Are you aware that NHIS does not cover this? What makes one Nigerian different from another? The highest title any Nigerian should hold is the title – Citizen!” said Tobi Lala.
Rene Osayande added that millions of Nigerians can’t afford and access basic health care services; while Ojerinde Amos Olakunle described the Nigerian leadership as shameless and incompetent.
“You come here dey celebrate your son return from a medical trip when millions of Nigeria die due to our poor health indices and your husband that promised to stop medical tourism has failed woefully to fix anything. You’re here celebrating your son return when mothers at dapchi are weeping the loss of their daughters. May your children reap the fruit of your callousness. I regret campaigning for your husband and pray you lose by next year. Wicked and hard-hearted leaders!”
While for Harry Santa Goodnews, 2019 should be a revolution.
“First of all, He had an accident with his power bike when Nigerians were lamenting of “fuel scarcity”.Secondly !! He was flown abroad for medical treatment, when we have good hospitals either private or public.. Every year allocation is been assigned for maintenance of Aso Villa Clinic.Thirldly !! He is been welcomed by Minister of Health on his return from his foreign medical trip… while well meaning Nigerians can’t afford good medical care, and you come and post it on Facebook for all of us to see? Tomorrow, You tell me there won’t be kidnapping, unemployment, hatred e.t.c in our country. GOD will surely judge all these wicked and heartless politicians wether in APC or PDP… 2019 is going to be a REVOLUTION. The poor masses will decide who they want in government.”