Updated: Buhari extends vacation, Presidency silent on resumption date

President Muhammad Buhari will not be resuming on the 6th as earlier announced before his departure, Aso Rock officials confirmed on
Sunday.

A statement by Presidential Spokesman Femi Adesina, said President Muhammadu Buhari wrote to the National Assembly on Sunday to extend his vacation.

Recall that the leadership of the National Assembly last week visited Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the presidential villa three times. Watchers had raised concerns about ongoing discussions to extend the President’s vacation following the curious meetings.

Earlier BusinessDay reported that no plans or schedule had been made for the President’s return in relation to how he would be received at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as is usually the culture.

Aso Rock sources had hinted that some duty officials had been asked to stay on alert for Tuesday, however an official statement from the Presidential Villa was silent on the specific date of the president’s return.

“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” Adesina said in a statement .

On Sunday BusinessDay findings showed none of the departments in the Presidential villa could earlier confirm the time of the President’s arrival as most complained his return was shrouded in secrecy .

Buhari 74, left the shores of the country on the 19th of January 2017 after transmitting a letter to the National Assembly stating that he will be proceeding on a 10 day vacation to London.

A statement by his official spokesman had said while on vacation the President will undergo routine medical checkup. There have been concerns about the President’s health even as the Presidency continues to assure that all is well and there is no cause for alarm.

In June 2016, Buhari who took over the helm of power on the 29th  of May 2015  left the shores of the country to London on a 10 day medical vacation. He was said to be battling with ear infections and was to be checked by Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists in the UK.

In February 2016 the President also took off to his favourite vacation spot, London, on a five day vacation.

Since leaving the country last month, Nigerians have continued to speculate on the President’s state of health, death and even his ability to salvage the Africa’s once largest economy from the biting recession which has engulfed the country.

Upon return from vacation, the President is expected to launch the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and make some other pronouncements that officials say will revive the ailing economy.