President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday, night left Nigeria for London where he is scheduled to consult with his doctors.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the duration of Buhari’s stay in London will be determined by his doctors.
Adesina, however, said the President had transmitted a letter to the National Assembly as required by law.
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari proceeds to London tonight for a follow-up medical consultation with his doctors.
“He had planned to leave on Sunday afternoon, but decided to tarry a bit due to the arrival of the 82 Chibok girls, who arrived in Abuja earlier in the day.
“The President wishes to assure all Nigerians that there is no cause for worry. He is very grateful for the prayers and good wishes of the people, and hopes they will continue to pray for the peace and unity of the nation.
“The length of the President’s stay in London will be determined by the doctors. Government will continue to function normally under the leadership of the Vice-President.
“President Buhari has transmitted letters about the trip to the Senate and the House of Representatives in compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.”
It will be recalled that the 74-year-old Nigerian leader had left the country on January 19 on what the Presidency described then as medical vacation.
When the trip was prolonged, presidential aides announced that the President would be staying back in the British capital to enable him to collect results of some medical tests he did.
Buhari returned to the country on March 10 after a 49-day medical sojourn, saying he had never been that sick in his life.
Lately, the President was not seen at public functions even he was absent from the weekly Federal Executive Council meetings for three consecutive weeks, causing anxiety among Nigerians.
His aides, however, insisted that the situation was nothing to worry about as he was only resting based on his doctors’ instructions.
(Punch)
