By Today makes it 28 days since President Muhammadu Buhari left the country for a supposed vacation in London. However almost one month after, there appear to be no definite date for the President’s return.
On January 19, 2017, the ailing septuagenarian announced that he was proceeding on a 10-day vacation in the United Kingdom but several weeks after facts emerged that the supposed vacation was in fact a medical trip.
Although in his letter addressed to the National Assembly, Buhari was quoted to have hinted the lawmakers of his intention to use the moment of his vacation in London to carry out his routine medical checkup, this has eventually emerged to be the main reason for his trip.
It must however be noted that although it has been 28 days since President Buhari stepped out of Nigeria, he has really been out of office for 19 days (official days).
In the course of his 10-day vacation, rumours broke out that the President’s health had deteriorated which have seen him been admitted in an unnamed private hospital in the Queen’s land. This report was soon dispelled by the Presidency, as the spokespersons of Buhari alleged that it was the handiwork of mischief makers.
Tension again rose among Nigerians, especially on the social media on Sunday 5th February, the expected date of return of the President as they were no concrete plans to receive the leader at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
While Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed was quoted to have said that presidential jets were not technically ready to transport the President back to the country, a mouthpiece of the President, Femi Adesina announced a planned extention due to non readiness of tests results conducted on the President Mohammed however later came out to refute the report saying it was made up by enemies of the government.
The following week soon witnessed speculations surrounding the state of health of Buhari as he has not make public appearance since his trip to London.
While all several speculations surrounded the health of the President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo holds sway at home in acting capacity which has also added more tension to the already heated polity.
One thing however is clear, President Buhari is alive and responding to treatment. This was arrived at following the latest visit of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Reps Speaker, Yakubu Dogara to the London temporal abode of the President.
Before now numerous political figures including APC National leader, Bola Tinubu and former party Chairman, Bisi Akande had visited London amid controversial circumstances with many disbelieving the validity of the released photos.
Others like Governor Ibikunle Amosu of Ogun state have also visited the ailing President who only a few days ago also discussed on phone with new American leader, Donal Trump.
Again many Nigerians expectedly doubted the call made by President Donald Trump on Monday as the new American leader spoke with Presidents of other countries. He has been making such calls since he assumed office.
It was gathered that despite Nigeria’s Presidency release the discussions of the two leaders on Monday, White House did not do same.
However, in a recent White House briefing, which is now making rounds online, it was heard that Nigeria was listed alongside Columbia, Peru and South Africa, as countries President Trump called on Monday.
28 days his unusual exit from the country, opinions are diverse on the state of health of the President while many others want the National Assembly to name VP Osinbajo substantial President.
However with the visit of NASS leadership to London last night, this might be a far call and the legislators appear satisfied with the state of health of the President.
Nigerians are hopeful!
