Esther Salifu
Former presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina has clarified that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s frequent medical trips to the United Kingdom were based on a decades-long relationship with his medical team, rather than personal luxury or ownership of property in London.
Speaking on Channels Television on Sunday, Adesina addressed public speculations regarding Buhari’s medical travels, emphasizing that the former president did not own a private residence in London and often stayed at the Nigerian High Commission during his visits.
“President Buhari has been with the same doctors and medical team for upward of 40 years,”
“It is advisable that he continues with those who know his medical history, and that is why he comes to London to see them.” Adesina stated .
Adesina further noted that during extended medical stays, such as the eight-month period in 2017, Buhari resided in the High Commissioner’s apartment, with the High Commissioner relocating to accommodate him.
Addressing concerns about the funding of Buhari’s medical expenses, Adesina mentioned that the former president often relied on the goodwill of friends.
“I doubt if he paid for those bills himself. President Buhari just needed to call anybody the Dangotes, the Abdusalamis and they would oblige,” he said.
Adesina also highlighted the limitations of Nigeria’s healthcare system, suggesting that Buhari’s decision to seek treatment abroad was a matter of necessity.
“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,” he remarked.
