Nigeria’s President Buhari returns home today
The President had left the country on May 7, this year, after handing over power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who has functioned as Acting President since then.
President Buhari is expected to speak to Nigerians in a broadcast by 7 a.m on Monday, August 21, 2017, according to Femi Adesina, the President’s media adviser.
Adesina said Buhari thanked all Nigerians who have prayed ceaselessly for his recovery and well-being since the beginning of the health challenge in January this year.
When the president first went abroad for a medical checkup in January, he thought he was for a routine checkup, only to find that it was something more serious. He returned in March to announce to his countrymen that he had never felt so ill in his life.
He returned for another round of medical attention two months later, the same day he received 82 Chibok Girls freed by Boko Haram.
His stay abroad had stirred a protest movement led by the entertainer, Charles Oputa, otherwise known as Charly Boy, who wanted him to return home or resign.
The President who follows development at home while recuperating in London mocked Charly Boy’s campaign, when it was discussed with him during a meeting with his media team last week. After all, he had transmitted power to his deputy before leaving home.
While away in London, President Buhari received a number of visitors, beginning with the vice-president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who first hinted Nigerians about the President’s massive recovery.
After him came a stream of visitors, that included leaders of the All Progressives Congress, state governors, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby and the leaders of the National Assembly, Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara. His last visitor on Friday was Pastor Enoch Adeboye, leader of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Saraki after his visit, announced confidently that Buhari’s return was imminent.