Nigerian President Buhari Extends Sick Leave, Can’t Return Immediately

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his vacation indefinitely and will not return from the UK until he gets his medical test reports, his spokesman, Femi Adesina, said on Sunday.

Buhari has communicated this in a letter to the national assembly, Adesina 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,” Adesina said in a statement.

“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.”

Buhari left the country on January 19, after transmitting a letter to the national assembly, disclosing that he was going on a 10-day vacation during which he would undergo medical checkups.

He told the lawmakers that he had handed over to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who was in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, at the time.

Osinbajo had to cut short his trip to take over the responsibilities.