Buhari’s ear is too precious to be treated in Nigeria

Buhari left the country today, June 6, 2016, to see an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist and he will expectedly be away for 10 days.

“During the holiday, he will see an E.N.T Specialist for a persistent ear infection. The President was examined by his Personal Physician and an E.N.T Specialist in Abuja, and was treated,” presidential media aide, Femi Adesina said via a statement.

The statement was released after Adesina had earlier said that Buhari was hale and hearty in denial of ill health reports.

“He has always been okay. Nothing is wrong with him. The president can always devolve duties to his deputy who is the vice president. That’s what the president has done. But in terms of his health, the president is fine,” Adesina said on Sunday, June 5 during an appearance on Channels TV.

The president's latest trip is disappointing because he can't possibly expect Nigerians to believe that there are no experienced ENT doctors that can attend to him within the shores of the country.

Even if the doctors in Abuja couldn’t treat him, there are definitely specialists in Lagos who would be able to address the issue. Nigeria's health sector is in shambles because its leaders and public officials choose to seek treatment abroad and it’s unfortunate that Buhari, who should be championing change, is towing this same path.

An ear infection is not life threatening so there’s really no justification for Buhari’s trip to London, unless of course the president is suffering from some other ailment which is being kept under wraps. The dishonesty which has surrounded the president’s condition has also left room for suspicion.

The Buhari administration has been given an opportunity to change the way Nigerians view their leaders, but it only seems to be filling the footprints of previous governments.

If Buhari has an ear infection, he should get treated in Nigeria, if he’s suffering from a serious disease, he should be honest and open about it. If Buhari is serious about changing things in this country, then he must first lead the way by being an embodiment of the change we seek.