Politics

Medical Trips: Buhari Under Fire For ‘Causing Confusion’ In Aso Rock

Published

4 years ago

March 7, 2022

Editor

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has chastised President Muhammadu Buhari for his frequent medical trips overseas.

The group noted that Buhari perpetually travels to London for medical checkup while leaving the health sector in Nigeria to wobble amid constant strikes and underfunding.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA, said it was regrettable that the President serially disrespects the 1999 Constitution by not officially transmitting power to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), whenever he travels abroad.

Recall that Buhari on Sunday travelled to the United Kingdom on a two-week routine medical check-up after attending the United Nations Environmental Programme in Nairobi, Kenya.

In recent years, the UK has become a choice destination for the Nigerian elite including the President while perpetual industrial actions, lack of modern equipment, failure of government to pay doctors’ salaries, amongst others, mar Nigeria’s health sector.

According to reports, as at the end of 2021, Buhari had been to London for medical check-up a number of times and had spent a total of over 200 days on medical leave in the UK since his administration began on May 29, 2015.

Despite Buhari’s preference for foreign medical care, the Federal Ministry of Health has consumed over N2.3 trillion from 2016 to date, while the State House Medical Centre has received over N6.2 billion, according to the respective appropriation acts available on the website of the Budget Office of the Federation.

The presidential clinic caters for the President, Vice President, their families and members of staff of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

But despite the huge allocations for the clinic, Buhari and his family members continue to patronise the UK, Dubai and other foreign countries for medical needs.

The President is also infamous for not handing over power to his VP while away, an action that HURIWA declared unconstitutional.

Before Sunday’s trip, the last time the President reportedly transferred power to the VP was in 2017 when he spent months in the UK treating an undisclosed ailment.

But as a sharp departure from the convention, Buhari on Sunday before his aircraft took off from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, said Osinbajo is in charge while he is away.

When asked by reporters who would be in charge during his trip, the President said, “I cannot claim to be doing the work alone. The government is fully represented. The Vice President is there.

“Constitutionally when I am away, he is in charge. And then the Secretary to the Government (Boss Mustapha), and the Chief of Staff (Ibrahim Gambari) are also there. So, there is no problem.”

However, it was clear that the President acted illegally as he did not notify the National Assembly as permitted by the country’s constitution.

HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “By virtue of Section 145(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2011 as amended, the President has a constitutional duty to always transmit power whenever he embarks on medical trip or any form of vacation whatsoever.

“But Buhari has not respected the constitution by officially handing power over to his VP pending his return. Transmission of power has a process and a method spelt out by the constitution; it must be written and transmitted to the National Assembly; it is beyond mere rhetorics. Buhari’s action is condemnable just as his many medical trips that cost tax payers’ so much.

“By his vague utterance, Buhari has created the vacuum that will throw up power tussles by the different power blocs in Aso Rock including the infamous cabal.

“Overall, it is a scandal of unimaginable dimension that Buhari has spent seven years in power but all the strategic sectors of the economy have been ruined by his regime, starting from health, education, infrastructure, power, amongst others.

“It is even unfortunate that the President who is also the Minister of Petroleum and controls the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has successfully turned the near-moribund refineries to a cash cow since the last seven years. Buhari has left the country in comatose, such a bad second term gift.”

Politics

Peter Obi Meets US Consul General, Hopes For Credible Polls In 2027

Published

15 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi on Tuesday held a meeting with United States Consul General, Mr Rick Swart.

Obi made this known via his X handle.

He said “This morning, in Lagos, I met with the U.S. Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where we discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship. We focused on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, ensuring they are free from interference, and fostering a space where all political parties, especially opposition parties can thrive, and contribute.

“We also discussed trade and business opportunities between our countries. Accompanying me to the meeting was Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo.

“The discussion was very productive, and we are hopeful that, moving forward, Nigeria’s elections will be even more credible and transparent.”

Politics

BREAKING: 17 ADC Reps Follow Join NDC

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

About 17 African Democratic Congress, ADC, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was disclosed by Speaker Abass Tajudeen on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

Tajudeen also announced the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.

Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.

This comes barely a day after former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

Obi and Kwankwaso have pledged to continue their pursuit for a better Nigeria in the NDC.

Politics

JUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has given reasons why he resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, alongside a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a long post on X on Monday, Obi insisted it was not out of anger or ambition.

Rather, he said the move is a continuation of the quest to build a new Nigeria.

Obi wrote: “Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.

“As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.

“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.

“I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.

“As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties. Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.

“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.

“Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live with dignity, security, and hope.

“I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation.

“I thank Nigerians, especially our youths and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges confronting the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.”