A leading Nigerian doctor has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of reneging on a promise to end “medical tourism” by seeking treatment in the United Kingdom.
Nigerians spent $1 billion on foreign medical trips in 2013, most of which was unnecessary, said Dr. Osahon Enabulele. Nigerian politicians were mostly treated by Nigerian doctors abroad, he added.
Buhari flew to London on Monday to be treated for an ear infection.
Buhari played down fears over his health Monday as he jetted to London. “I have already told Nigerians that I’m going for 10 days to get my ear checked,” Buhari, accompanied by his personal physician, told reporters.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will stand in during his absence.
The Nigerian presidency is historically reticent about disclosing health matters concerning the head of state and rumors have been swirling about the seriousness of Buhari’s condition.
Former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua died in 2010 of a long-standing kidney ailment that was not disclosed when he took office.
There was a period of political uncertainty until his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, took over.
Similarly, military ruler Sani Abacha died in 1998, officially of a heart attack, but rumors persist to this day about the exact cause of death.
When Buhari was asked in Hausa about the concerns of Nigerians when their leader falls sick, he replied: “Is there anybody who doesn’t fall sick?“
The 73-year-old pulled out of a planned visit to Lagos recently, the launch of an oil spill clean-up operation in the south, and a meeting of the west African regional bloc ECOWAS.
He also appeared gaunt recently and spoke with a faltering voice at a May 14 security summit in Abuja and in a televised address to mark the first anniversary of his inauguration as president on May 29.

Source : Arab News