President Muhammadu Buhari today
began a five-day vacation, to end on February 10, spokesman Femi Adesina said
in a press statement
He further stated that the president, complying with
Section 145 (1) of the constitution, sent a formal notice to the Senate
President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will
perform the functions of the President during his absence.
A source had earlier revealed that
during his visit to the United Kingdom, President Buhari will undertake a visit
to medical doctors in a London hospital.
Our presidency source said President
Buhari agreed to participate in a Syrian solidarity that ended yesterday
because it provides a perfect cover for the medical visit.
The source further said there has
been a debate within the presidency about the medical visit, with some of his
handlers arguing that the Syria meeting provides a perfect alibi as the
President should not be seen to be sick less than one year after taking
power.
It might be recalled that following
the six-week postponement of the presidential election, Mr. Buhari spent a
prolonged period in London, reportedly to rest. He subsequently spent another
nine days in London to meet with his doctors, returning only one day before his
inauguration.
According to the current schedule,
President Buhari will return home next weekend if everything goes well.
Reports had revealed that Mr.
Buhari’s personal physician, Suhayb Sanusi Rafindadi, has been playing a
prominent role in preparing him for foreign trips in recent months.
Upon his return from London, the
President will embark on another trip to the Middle East, visiting Egypt, Qatar
and Saudi Arabia.