SAN FRANCISCO, January 19, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday departed Nigeria for United Kingdom, UK, for what the Presidency described as “a short leave”.
The President, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, would undergo “routine medical check-ups” during the vacation.
The statement, which explained that Buhari is “on a short leave which is part of his annual vacation,” added that he is expected to resume work on February 6.
The statement reads, “President Muhammadu Buhari leaves for the United Kingdom today on a short leave, which is part of his annual vacation. He is expected to resume work on February 6, 2017.
“During the vacation, the President will also undergo routine medical check-ups.
“In line with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President of the Senate, and Speaker, House of Representatives, have been duly communicated.
“While away, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, will perform the functions of the Office of the President.”
Meanwhile, as at the time Buhari was leaving the country, Osinbajo is leading the Federal Government’s delegation at the World Economic Forum, WEF, holding in Davos, Switzerland, the Punch reports.
But the Vice President is expected back in the country on Friday.
The President had since the week been performing most of the functions of his office at his official residence located within the precinct of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. It was at his residence that Buhari received Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State who visited the Presidential Villa on Tuesday afternoon.
The President had cancelled a scheduled meeting of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, on Wednesday and reportedly remained in his residence all through.
The last public event attended by Buhari was the grand finale of the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the National Arcade, Abuja. He had joined other top government officials to lay wreath in honour of the nation’s fallen heroes.
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