I cannot be alone in feeling that way about the dilemma of getting Nigeria to thoroughly be ALIVE to the Huge Responsibility of choice in the manner to which presidents make their Entrances and Exits.
The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has to stir a wave of reflection across our Country—from grief and nostalgia to frustration and renewed calls for change.
Buhari will certainly be remembered. He Ruled Twice. His legacy is undeniably complex: hailed by some for his anti-corruption stance and military discipline, yet criticized by others for economic stagnation, democratic shortcomings, and persistent insecurity.
My immediate reflection is about the gap between potential and mediocrity in our polity. It ought to hit all nerves as well. Nigeria has immense talent, resources, and resilience—but time and again, leadership choices haven’t matched that promise. The question now is: will this moment spark a deeper reckoning? Can we demand more from those who seek power, and hold them accountable beyond slogans and tribal loyalties?
It’s not just about who leads next—it’s about how we, as citizens, shape the narrative. What kind of Nigeria do you want to see rise from this chapter?
The London Exit: A Symbol of Deeper Neglect
Also see: President Tinubu Announces Former President Buhari’s Passing
Leaders crossing borders for medical care speaks volumes about our domestic health system. When those at the pinnacle distrust local hospitals, it sends a chilling message: our facilities aren’t safe, well-equipped, or transparently managed. This pattern chips away at public confidence and widens the gap between policymakers and the people they serve.*
What This Exit Reveals —
- Neglected infrastructure and equipment decay in public hospitals
- Lack of transparent medical records and oversight
- A culture of privilege that puts personal comfort above national interest
- Erosion of citizens’ faith in home-grown solutions
Underlying Drivers —
- Chronic underfunding, with health budgets falling short of global benchmarks
- Weak accountability frameworks that allow officials to bypass local services
- Patronage networks diverting resources away from frontline care
- Perception that “foreign is better,” fueled by media and private interest
What to do—Rebuilding Trust Through Healthcare Reform!
Real change demands both top-down and bottom-up pressure. While leaders must commit budgetary and policy reforms, citizens can amplify their voices through organized campaigns:
- Enshrine a “use-our-hospitals” clause in public service rules
- Increase independent audits and real-time public dashboards for hospital performance
- Channel a portion of medical tourism savings into local facility upgrades
- Empower patient advocacy groups to monitor and report care standards!
Concrete steps to champion that are certified to ensure future leaders trust and invest in our home-grown healthcare:
These steps will help, GREATLY—we must explore how civic education and grassroots activism can reshape other sectors where “foreign over local” remains entrenched.
That Buhari had to take his exit in London is yet another recurring decimal about neglect at home only to experience the inevitable abroad. A system failure and why the system must surely give way to a New STRUCTURE!
Yet again, the ritual of hiding what ails and hurts the seeming sick leaders we throw up as a fashion statement. Our hospitals are mere metaphors or the typical no go areas. While alive, our leaders fight to keep the status quo on their personal convictions often clashing with National Interests. And Death comes to which they have no answers. Sad
To the Late president, we mourn. We offer condolences to the family. The Lord His God Rest His Soul. As History is bound to chronicle his tears and years, ay certain lessons be learnt still.
Good Night. Mr. President!
Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo
