Buhari: Fix our hospitals or be imported as Cargo after death abroad” – Odinkalu tells Politicians
Following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist, Chidi Odinkalu, has sent a strong message to politicians, warning them of the consequences of consistently neglecting the nation’s healthcare system.
In a post shared on Sunday, July 13, shortly after the announcement of Buhari’s death, Odinkalu wrote:
“Nigeria’s current rulers may need to be reminded: Those who die in foreign hospitals only get to return to the country as cargo. They don’t pass through @immigrationng. Rather, we clear them through @CustomsNG as import. If you don’t want this, build a hospital that can work for you.”
The activist used the opportunity to call out Nigerian politicians for regularly seeking medical treatment abroad while failing to build a functional healthcare system at home.
Odinkalu also referenced the 2015 Zaria massacre, which occurred during Buhari’s tenure, recalling the burial of scores of Shiite Muslims in mass graves.
“I remember today all the #Shiites liquidated in the #ZariaMassacre in Dec 2015 under the orders of the C-In-C, including 3 sons of Sheikh El-Zakzaky. Their remains were transported in at least 47 trucks and buried in mass graves in Mando, Kaduna,” he added.
Former President Buhari died in a London hospital on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
He served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 and as military head of state from 1984 to 1985.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a tribute, described Buhari as a patriot, soldier, and statesman, and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast for seven days in his honour.
According to former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad, Buhari will be laid to rest in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.
