President Muhammadu Buhari has said he
would only return to Nigeria when his London
doctors certify him well enough to do so.
In the February 5 letter to the President of the
Senate, Bukola Saraki, informing the National
Assembly of the extension of his vacation,
President Buhari wrote:

The letter was exclusively obtained by PREMIUM
TIMES on Saturday.
Although snippets of the letter were publicised
by the presidency and the Senate on February 5
and 6 respectively, this is the first time the
entire text and copy of the correspondence
would be made available. See it after the cut.
The President wrote:
This is the third time Mr. Buhari has transferred
power to Mr. Osinbajo since the two leaders
were inaugurated in May 2015.
The first time was on February 5, 2016 when
the President embarked on a five-day vacation;
and the second was in June 2016 when Mr.
Buhari travelled to the United Kingdom for
treatment of what the Presidency described as
ear infection.

“… I am extending my leave until
the doctors are satisfied that
certain factors are ruled out,” Mr.
Buhari said.

“Further to my letter dated 18th
January 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 check-
ups and consult my long standing
doctors in London.
“In the course of the routine
examinations, certain test result
indicated the need for a course of
medications and further
appointments have been scheduled
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, the vice president
will continue to act on my behalf.
“Please accept, Distinguished
Senate President, the assurances
of my highest consideration.”