Nigeria: Ailing president seeks to reassure from London

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) – Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday commended his countrymen for their prayers and show of support following concerns about his failing health.

Buhari has been away since Jan. 19 on what was supposed to be a 10-day vacation in London. He was due back at work on Feb. 6 but asked parliament to have his stay extended on the advice of his doctors in London.

The president said in a statement from his media office that “there is no cause for worry,” apparently dousing tensions that have trailed his extended vacation.

“The President is immensely grateful for the prayers, show of love and concern…[and] wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is no cause for worry,” according the statement.

“During his normal annual checkup, tests showed he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating the President staying longer than originally planned,” it added, again keeping mum on when he is expected back home.