Presidential Spokesman Femi Adesina has confirmed that the President, Muhammadu Buhari will be returning to the country later today.
In a press statement released by the Special Adviser to the President, Media, and Publicity also revealed that President Buhari will be addressing the country on Monday, 21st of August while thanking all Nigerians who have prayed ceaselessly for his recovery and well-being since the beginning of the health challenge.
Buhari left the country on May 17 after handing over to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for medical attention in London.
The Vice President has since functioned as the Acting President until the news of President Muhammadu Buhari’s return to the country.
READ ALSO: President Buhari Notifies National Assembly About Vacation
In the letter sent to the legislators on Thursday, the President stated that he would be away from Monday, January 23 to February 6, 2017.
He informed the lawmakers that while he is away on the short vacation, which is part of his 2017 annual leave, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo would perform his duties.
The communication from the President is in compliance with Section 145 subsection (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
On February 5, 2017, the President wrote to the National Assembly 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.
This is according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.
“The President had planned to return to Abuja this (Sunday) 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 stated.
On March 10, 2017, Buhari returned to the country after 49 days of medical vacation.
READ ALSO: President Muhammadu Buhari Returns To Nigeria
He arrived at exactly 7.41am at the Air Force Base Mando in Kaduna State.
The President was received by the Kaduna State Deputy Governor Bala Bantex, GOC 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Adeniyi Oyebade, the Air Officer Commanding, Training Command of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshall Christopher Okoye, the Commissioner of police and other dignitaries.
President Buhari after alighting from the Presidential Jet was immediately taken to Abuja with a chopper.
He again on May 8, 2017, went back to London for medical follow-up with his doctors.
READ ALSO: President Buhari Arrives London For Medicals
He departed Abuja on Sunday night after he met with the released 82 Chibok girls.
This latest trip comes less than two months after he spent over 50 days in the UK on a vacation, during which he also attended to his health.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, noted that the duration of the President’s stay in London will be determined by his doctors.
Meanwhile, the President had met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Zamfara State Governor, Abubakar Yari, before embarking on the trip.
He also sent letters about his trip to the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Buhari expressed confidence that government would continue to run smoothly, as he had left it in able hands.
“As I noted earlier, I have absolute confidence that govt. will continue to run smoothly while I’m away. God bless the Fed Republic of Nigeria,” he said via Twitter.
During his stay at the Abuja House in London for medical attention, his wife Aisha Buhari, and several other dignitaries came to visit him.
The dignitaries include Speakers of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, governors of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari; Ebonyi State, David Umahi; Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, and Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel.
The other governors are Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, and Kashim Shettima of Borno State.
The leader of the APC Governors, Mr Rochas Okorocha said the President assured Nigerians not to worry at all, adding that he would be back as soon as the doctors give him the green light.
Among the delegation were Governors Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa; Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna; Yahaya Bello of Kogi; and APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun.
Just recently the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, on Friday, paid a personal visit to the President, Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in London.
The Archbishop said he was delighted to see the President’s rapid recovery following his health challenges and promised to continue praying for him as well as Nigeria.
On his part, President Buhari thanked Mr. Welby for always standing by him at critical times and wished him God’s continuous grace in his spiritual duty.
On March 9, 2017, the Archbishop paid the President a visit, making this one the second since his trip to London where he went to attend to his health.
On Friday, August 19, 2017, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Abuja House in London.
Pastor Adeboye joins the long list of dignitaries that have visited the President since he left for London on medical vacation more than 100 days ago.