It was a plethora of criticism for the Nigerian first family after Aisha Buhari, wife of the President, took to Twitter to announce the return of Yusuf, Buhari’s only son, from a medical trip to Germany.
Yusuf came into the country on Monday night, almost as clandestinely as he was flown out for treatment after he was involved in a crash in December 2017 while riding on a power bike, sustaining serious head injuries.
He was initially treated at a private hospital in Abuja.
Soon after the crash, it was reported that there were plans to fly Yusuf to Germany for further treatment, one online newspaper even reporting that he had been flown abroad but the presidency debunked the report.
Later in January, it was announced that Yusuf would be discharged because he had “remarkably improved”.
“Mr. Yusuf Buhari, son of President Buhari, was admitted into Cedarcrest Hospitals, Abuja in the late hours of December 26, 2017, following injuries sustained as a motorcycle rider,” read a statement by the hospital where Yusuf was first admitted.
“Over the following week, his condition improved remarkably and he was transferred from the intensive care to the ward. He has remained stable ever since and has continued to make remarkable progress. He is now ready to be discharged.
“We are also grateful to the Minister of Health, the Minister of State for Health, and the eminent advisory team of specialists assembled by the Minister of Health who supported us in the course of looking after Yusuf.”
Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, also issued a statement wishing Yusuf “a complete and speedy recovery”.
The wonderful team of doctors that cared for Yusuf. Thank you. #Madeinnigeria pic.twitter.com/ISl8nCz78E
— Zainab S-Bagudu (@DrZSB) January 6, 2018
But the presidency never said anything to the effect that Yusuf would be flown abroad for more treatment. In short, most Nigerians believed that the President’s son was recuperating at Aso Rock.
However, when he returned to the State House, Yusuf was received at the airport by Osagie Ehanire, Minister of State for Health, family members and government officials. Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Dambazau, Interior Minister and Yahaya Bello, Kogi State Governor, were at the presidential villa to welcome him.
Governor Yaya Bello & associates.
On behalf of the family I wish to express our appreciation for the goodwill & prayers since the unfortunate accident. May God Almighty bless all & continue to guide us all aright.
2/2— Aisha M. Buhari (@aishambuhari) March 1, 2018
But the announcement was greeted with criticism of Buhari’s penchant for flying himself and family members abroad for medical treatment while the country’s health system remains in shambles.
You guys should work on the state of Nigeria health care system so that next time your son or any government officials will never travel to another Man country for a medical treatment. It’s a shame that Nigerians don’t realise this potential
— Saying For All (@Odindi37) March 1, 2018
The Minister of Health went to the airport to receive a private citizen? You guys should have also arranged a guard of honour for him as well.
I don’t blame you guys at all, opportunistic family and associates.— Sammy Pam (@we_shallprevail) March 1, 2018
I join you in thanking God for your Son but in a Country where scores die as a result of common ailments due to inability to access basic healthcare, certain things ought to be kept off Social Media but what do I know?
— JOHNSON A E (@SOLAJOHNSON) March 1, 2018
Thank God for his recovery. Can you make our healthcare sector better so you won’t have to go outside the country each time there’s an ailment.
— Sweet (@OlayemiOlauyi) March 1, 2018
Our health care is so bad that you and your family members fly abroad for medicals…. thank you very much Allah is watching all of you. We need go health care in this country I have said my own, welcome back Yusuf.
— Muhammed Kassim (@kassim0147) March 1, 2018
I welcome Yusuf and thank God for ur recovery. God is great and faithful to ur family. I also pray I have the opportunity to be treated abroad and be welcomed by the minister of health (State).
— Sir G (@MCGoodnews) March 1, 2018
Thank God, now that he’s alive.
Minister of health also received him, Shame! It’s nt like Nigeria’s medical Doctors can’t treat him; it’s just the neglect you have towards ur Own and because you feel you have access to money. By d way, where did he get money for d power bike?— Amy peace (@AhmyPeace) March 1, 2018
Thank God for safe return. You are a good woman Aisha. Now that he is safe, can you put all your energy to persuade whoever that is in authority, especially your husband to work assiduously for the release of the Dapchi girls? A visit from first family will not be a bad idea.
— James Okene (@JamesOkene) March 1, 2018
As you’ve received your own son sound and safe please ensure you work on @MBuhari for the safe return of all the Daphi girls. Allah be with you and your family.
— Edward Kayode (@eddykappa14) March 1, 2018