Updated: “I will continue to protect your interest,” Buhari tells Nigerians

… says he may need further follow-up in the next few weeks

…Osinbajo said it was a challenging time “in borrowed robes”

 

President Buhari has pledged to continue to protect the interest of ordinary Nigerians while doing his best to deliver on promises that will engender a new Nigeria. The president made the remarks at the conference hall of the First Lady’s residence where he held a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, some governors, all the service chiefs, and ministers.

Earluier in the day, the President landed in Kaduna State at about 7:45 am, was received by the Acting Governor of Kaduna state Barnabas Bantex before he was flown into Aso Rock in a helicopter at about 8:40am.

Speaking at the meeting, Buhari said “I am feeling much better now. There may, however, be need for further follow up within some weeks. “I have rested as much as humanly possible, I have received I think the best of treatment I could receive. I couldn’t recall being so sick since I was a young man, including the military with its ups and downs.

“I found out that technology is going so fast that if you have a lot of confidence you better keep it because you need it.

“I had blood transfusions, going to the laboratories, and so on and so forth,  I couldn’t recall when last I had blood transfusion, I couldn’t recall honestly I can say in my seventy years,” a visibly frail Buhari told those at the meeting.

Speaking further, the president said, “I deliberately came back towards the weekend, so that the Vice President will continue and I will continue to rest” adding that  he will “continue to do the work, Nigeria will continue whether we are here or not”.

It is not clear if the President is set to fully take up the responsibilities of running the country as he said there may be need for some further followups on his medicals in the next few weeks.

Buhari said he deliberately came in at the weekend to allow Vice President Yemi Osinbajo continue with his work. The President is however expected to write to the National Assembly to inform them of his return.

Though looking frail, the President, dressed in ash colour caftan his normal style, alighted from the helicopter which landed at the helipad within the premises of the Aso Rock, without aid.  This does not, however, douse the fears of Nigerians that their President may still be sick.

Finally coming out with the true state of his health, Nigeria’s leader said he has never been this sick in his life, not even during his days as a military officer with all the ups and downs. He disclosed that he went he had blood transfusions, went to the laboratories and met doctors.

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His revelation is coming on the heels of several denials by the Presidency and government officials that the President was sick, maintaining that he was hale and hearty.

After the normal pleasantries and a one line response of “I am fine as you can see” to inquiries by journalist who asked how he was feeling when he landed Aso Rock, the president proceeded to the conference hall of the First Lady’s residence for the meeting with the dignitaries.

He thanked Nigerians, Muslims and Christians alike who prayed and continue to pray for his good health. “This is a testimony that in spite of the hardship being experienced Nigerians support the government in its efforts to tackle our country’s challenges.

“The best way for me to pay you all is to rededicate myself to serving you, protecting your interest and keeping your trust. I thank you very much”.

He, however, asked that instead of sending multiple delegations to Abuja to welcome him, Nigerians should rather continue to pray for the unity, progress, and prosperity of the country.

In his remark, Vice President Osinbajo said it was satisfying for Nigerians and the Federal Executive Council to receive the President back in the country ‘‘hail and hearty’’.

The Vice President thanked the President for respecting the constitution and entrusting power to him before travelling, noting that it was a tough job ‘‘going around in borrowed robes’’.

The Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin, also made remarks to welcome the President.

Minister of information in his remarks said it was a thing of joy adding that the president’s return has vindicated their position that he will return safely.