“Fix Our Hospitals Or Return As Cargo”- Odinkalu Blasts Politicians After Buhari’s Death

• Chidi Odinkalu, criticized the political elite following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
• He highlighted the ongoing neglect of Nigeria’s healthcare system as a significant issue.
• Odinkalu warned that this neglect poses serious dangers to the country’s future.

Following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist, Chidi Odinkalu, issued a sharp critique aimed at the country’s political elite, warning them of the dangers of consistently neglecting Nigeria’s healthcare system.

In a post shared on Sunday, July 13, shortly after news of Buhari’s death broke, 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.”

Using the moment to spotlight the persistent trend of Nigerian politicians seeking medical care overseas, Odinkalu criticized their failure to invest in and develop local healthcare facilities.

He also brought attention back to the 2015 Zaria massacre, which occurred during Buhari’s administration, reflecting on how the victims including three sons of Sheikh El-Zakzaky were buried.

“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 said.

Former President Buhari passed away in a London hospital after battling a long illness. He ruled Nigeria as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023, and previously as a military leader from 1984 to 1985.

In tribute, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described him as a patriot, soldier, and statesman, ordering that national flags be flown at half-mast for seven days.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila have since traveled to London to oversee arrangements for the return of Buhari’s remains.

According to Bashir Ahmad, a former aide, Buhari will be laid to rest in Daura, Katsina State, his hometown.