Aug. 13 (UPI) — Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who is in Britain receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness, said he is ready to return to Nigeria but will await instruction from doctors.
Buhari, 74, initially left Nigeria to visit London on Jan. 19 for what he described as a short leave that was part of his annual vacation. Buhari then stayed for medical treatment in Britain from January through March. After briefly returning to Nigeria, Buhari again traveled to Britain on May 7 and has since remained.
Nigerian officials have repeatedly said no one should be concerned about Buhari amid rising fears the president’s health is deteriorating further than what is being publicly revealed.
On Saturday, the State House released a statement in which Buhari, a former military general, announced he feels well enough to return.
“President Muhammadu Buhari says there is tremendous improvement in his health, indeed, he wishes to return home, ‘but I’ve learnt to obey my doctor’s orders, rather than be the one issuing the orders. Here, the doctor is absolutely in charge,'” the Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president, wrote. “When the team expressed delight at the much improved health of the president, he retorted: “I feel I could go home, but the doctors are in charge. I’ve now learnt to obey orders, rather than be obeyed.'”
In June 2016, Buhari spent nearly two weeks in London to receive treatment following an ear infection. Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has served as Nigeria’s acting president during Buhari’s absence.
