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Nigerian gov't allays fear on president's health condition

Xinhua, February 28, 2017 Adjust font size:

The Nigerian government on Monday allayed fears on the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari who has been on medical vacation in the United Kingdom for more than one month, saying he is "neither critically ill nor in a life-threatening situation."

The country's Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed said there was no cause for alarm on the president's prolonged stay in London when he addressed a town hall meeting in the southeastern state of Abia.

" I can say here very boldly and confidently that there is absolutely no cause for alarm," said Mohammed who disclosed he spoke with the president via telephone last Saturday.

He added: "If Mr. president is in the hospital or is critically ill, as minister of information, I will give daily bulletin on his health."

Buhari jetted out of the west African country on Jan. 19, proceeding on a 10-day vacation as part of his 2017 annual leave and had planned to resume official duties on Feb. 6.

The president was scheduled to return to Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on the evening of Feb. 5 but was advised to complete and receive the results of a series of medical tests recommended by his doctors before returning, he personally wrote in a notice dispatched to the Senate President and Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives.

Buhari's prolonged absence still continues to cause tongues wagging in the country, with opposition groups insisting on the official disclosure of his real health status.

Ahead of his vacation, Buhari had transmitted a letter to the Senate, requesting that his Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, be empowered to act as President until his return and in accordance with the provision of the country's constitution. Endit