The Senate on Tuesday officially read President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter dated Feb. 5, requesting an extension of his vacation to further finish up some medical checkups. The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, read the letter at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the senate had before resumption from its four weeks suspension of plenary, admitted receiving the letter from the President.
The letter reads: “Further to my letter dated Jan. 18, 2017 in which I notified the distinguished Senate of taking part of my annual leave.
“During my leave I took the opportunity to have routine checkups and consult my long standing doctors in London. In the course of the routine examinations, certain tests results indicated the need for a course of medications and further appointments rescheduled for next week. I am therefore notifying the distinguished senate that I am extending my leave until the doctors are satisfied that certain factors are ruled out. In the circumstances, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo would continue to act on my behalf. Please accept distinguished Senate President the assurances of my highest consideration,” the letter read.
The letter from the President was silent on the cause of his illness and the likely time he is expected back in Nigeria. Drumnewsonline.com interaction with medical professionals resident in London who though did not out-rightly disclose his ailment, due to professional ethics, said that the President might not return to Nigeria until the end of March. They said the he needed more time to build his body immune system that almost collapsed when he was administered some drugs while in London. “He needs sometime to build up as the effect of the drugs caused more damage than thought and he almost relapsed. He is not coming back anytime soon, that I know. End of March is most likely”, the source volunteered.
In his remarks, Saraki said that the National Assembly leadership visited President Muhammadu Buhari in London, adding that he was in good spirit and in good health. “He was chatting as usual and conveys his best wishes and hopes to be back with us very soon,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, the Senate has condoled with the House of Representatives over the death of Rep. Bello Sani representing Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency of Katsina State. “Our condolence is to his family and the government of Katsina State. He was a gentle man, principled and cosmopolitan who interacted very well with members of the National Assembly,’’ he said.
He prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
