One day before his expected resumption from leave, President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the National Assembly informing them of his desire to extend his leave. He did not state the duration of the extension.
The letter was written on Sunday February 5, 2017.
This development will no doubt fire the belief of the conspiracy theorists that something untoward is happening in the life of the president more than his publicists and inner family circles are willing to reveal.
According to the letter, the extension was to enable the president complete and receive the results of a series of tests recommended by his doctors.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said in a statement on Sunday that “The President had planned to return to Abuja this evening, but was advised to complete the test cycle before returning.”
The statement added that “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.”
The President had planned to return to Abuja this evening, but was advised to complete the test cycle before returning, said Mr. Adesina.
Mr. Buhari had in January written the National Assembly, notifying the lawmakers of his vacation and temporary transfer of power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
It is the third time Mr. Osinbajo will be leading Nigeria in acting capacity since he and Mr. Buhari were inaugurated in May 2015.
In the initial notice to the National Assembly, Mr. Buhari was to be away between January 23 and February 6.
“The notice has since been dispatched to the Senate President, and Speaker, House of Representatives,” Mr. Adesina said of the new development.
The notice of extension came up amid rumours and anxiety over the President’s health.
Mr. Buhari had been rumoured to have died or been facing critical health challenge, but the Presidency denied such rumours.
At different times, the Presidency released pictures of the President in a bid to show he is hale in London.
However, in the new notice, the president did not state when he will be returning to Nigeria to resume duty.
