President Muhammadu Buhari has flew out of the country on Sunday evening to London to follow up his medical necessities, a senior spokesperson confirmed.
According to a statement signed by Femi Adesina, the length of Buhari’s stay abroad will be based on advice by his doctors.
“The length of the President’s stay in London will be determined by the doctors. Government will continue to function normally under the able leadership of the Vice President,” the statement read.
“Government will continue to function normally under the able leadership of the vice president,” the statement said, adding that there was no cause for worry.
It was also explained in the statement that Buhari was scheduled to leave in the morning but extended his departure in order to meet the Chibok Girls who were released on Saturday evening by the Boko Haram group after three years in captivity.
However, the president returned to Nigeria in March after receiving medical treatment in London. Also, the Presidency has refused to disclose the details of his medical condition which made the people anxious.
In addition, Buhari confirmed after his last return to the media that he had never been so sick in his life and hinted that he needed to rest and if need be, he will return to the UK for further check-ups. Still, he never revealed his health status to the people.
In order for an effective running of the country in his absence, he subsequently notified both chambers of parliament (the House of Representatives and the Senate) of his trip, which automatically puts the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo in charge of presidential duties.
Buhari shared to the media the photos of him meeting with leaders of the parliament, his Vice and governor of Zamfara State before his departure. He needed to be transparent in his movement though not transparent in the reason.
The vice president, Osinbajo, is seen as more business-friendly than Buhari, he played an active role in driving policy changes, chairing cabinet meetings during the president’s medical leave. Many Nigerians commended him for a job well done as the acting president of the country.
Government Officials are working seriously to avoid a scenario seen in 2010 when political infighting broke out during then-President Umaru Yar’Adua sick leave who later died. This time around, they are bounded with love and hope for the best.
Osinbajo was already given full powers to act during Buhari’s previous absence, in contrast to his predecessor Goodluck Jonathan who only took over after Yar’Adua’s death in 2010 ended a power vacuum. Many hope that the later will not be the case believing that president Buhari will hale and hearty again.
The president assures that there is no cause to worry. He is very grateful for the prayers and best wishes from the people and hopes they will continue to pray for peace and unity in the nation. He urges that peace should be maintained in his absence and that in no time, he will be back to perform his duties.
