Although his doctors advised him to consider doing the surgical operation to correct a fracture on his right femur (thigh bone) abroad,  Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo insisted on using a Nigerian hospital and medical experts for the procedure as a mark of confidence in the Nigerian doctors.

According to sources close to Duchess International Hospital where the operation took place Saturday, some of the government and private practice doctors of the VP made the suggestion because going abroad option is often usually considered by such class of patients and at times the option could also seem more seamless.

But one of the doctors who coordinated the whole operation, Dr. Yemi Onabowale, who is the founder of the Reddington Hospital, was quoted to have said “the VP was clear that he had confidence in Nigerian doctors both at home and abroad and would prefer they handle the operation.”

“His preference to have the surgery done in Nigeria is also being regarded as a major boost for the government’s oft stated objective of a reversed medical tourism as some voices in the healthcare sector have expressed excitement at the VP’s choice,” he said.

The VP was also said to have argued that doing the operation in Nigeria would not only encourage Nigerian doctors who are among the best anywhere in the world, but it would also help develop the capacity here in Nigeria and further build on the medical infrastructure in the country.

Confirming the story, a senior presidency official who pleaded anonymity said it was true the VP was given the option to go abroad but opted to do it here.

“The VP’s view is that most people don’t even know the facilities exist here. Besides we have some of the best doctors available anywhere,” the official disclosed

Since the news of the successful surgery went out many Nigerians have received it warmly including groups of doctors like some NMA chapters and other public intellectuals.

#Sebastine Hon, SAN.

Tordue Salem, it will be recalled, died mysteriously in the line of duty in Abuja sometimes last year.

The suit is specifically seeking redress over violation of the plaintiff’s late husband’s right to life as enshrined in Articles 4, 5, 6 and 23(1) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

By the suit, the plaintiff wants an order for the federal government to pay the plaintiff the sum of 2million US Dollars, being the sum the late Tordue Salem would have, if alive till exhaustion of his life expectancy as a Christian, given to the plaintiff for her maintenance and the maintenance of their little daughter, Avanna Salem.

Mrs Salem is also praying for an order that the defendant pay her the sum of 10million US Dollars compensatory damages for the mental and psychological anguish caused her, together with the permanent deprivation of her right to enjoy the love of her life, owing to the unlawful and unconstitutional murder of her husband, Mr Tordue Salem.

“An order that the Defendant should pay to the Plaintiff the sum of 5million US Dollars aggravated damages for the illegal detention, torture and the premeditated murder of the late Mr. Tordue Salem by officers of the Nigerian police, who acted in a most reprehensible and unlawful manner/ for willful negligence on the part of the police, who refused, failed or neglected to intervene swiftly to save the life of the deceased.”

The Plaintiff equally wants a declaration that the federal government, through its police officers, acted in breach of the provisions of the African Charter when it arrested, detained and tortured Mr. Tordue Salem to death; and thereafter falsely claimed, with the active support/conspiracy of the staff/employees of Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, that the deceased was knocked down by a motor vehicle driven by a hit-and-run driver, Mr. Clement Itoro.

“A declaration that the Defendant’s police officers were willfully negligent, in that they failed to proactively take steps to secure the life of Mr. Tordue Salem (deceased), when one Mr. Clement Itoro reported to them at a police check point which was not far from the scene of a motor accident, about hitting the deceased with his car, which resulted in his death, which death could possibly have been averted had the police acted with official dispatch and or acted swiftly.”

Late Tordue was seen by relatives the last time alive on the morning of October 13, 2021, when he left his Godab Estate residence, Life Camp, Abuja for work.

Plaintiff’s lawyer, Chief Hon said he would rely on documentary and oral evidence to argue his case.