There was a palpable anxiety among Nigerians yesterday as President Muhammadu Buhari who was expected to return to the country yesterday after his 10-day vacation in the United Kingdom was advised by his Doctors to stay back in Britain until certified fit.
In a statement by Special Adviser (Media) to the President Mr. Femi Adesina titled: ”President Buhari extends vacation, writes National Assembly”, said:
“President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the National Assembly today, February 5, 2017, informing of his desire to extend his leave in order to complete and receive the results of a series of tests recommended by his doctors.
“The President had planned to return to Abuja this evening, but was advised to complete the test cycle before returning.
“The notice has since been dispatched to the Senate President, and Speaker, House of Representatives.
“Mr. President expresses his sincere gratitude to Nigerians for their concern, prayers and kind wishes.”
‘He’s not in hospital’
To further dispel the rumour that the President is seriously ill, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media Mallam Garba Shehu dismissed the rumour saying the president is not “seriously ill and not in the hospital. He is in the residence at the Nigeria Nigerian High Commission in London”
He added: “I just spoke to the president’s personal doctor, and he told me President Buhari is not in any serious condition as to worry about
“He and his delegation were ready to come home today (yesterday) but for the delayed test result which came in today which necessitated that he delays his return.
“There is nothing to worry about as far as his condition is concerned”.
Section 145: “Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such functions shall be discharged by the Vice-President as Acting President.”
