Nigeria: President's wife seeks to quash health worries

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Amid mounting calls for Nigeria’s president to seek medical care abroad, Muhammadu Buhari’s wife is asserting that he is not as sick as some have speculated.

“I wish to inform everyone that his health is not as bad as it's being perceived. Meanwhile he continues to carry out his responsibilities during this period,” Aisha Buhari said in a Twitter post confirmed by her spokesman Wednesday.

“As it may come to your notice, he (met) with Minister of Justice and Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC this evening,” she added, thanking the people of Nigeria for their prayers.

Her comment came a day after Bisi Akande, a top ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, expressed worries that Buhari's health crisis was affecting the running of the country. He accused unnamed people around the president of wanting to frustrate the rule of law.

On Monday, a coterie of top civil society activists called on the president to seek medical attention abroad.

The 74-year-old leader has seldom been seen outside the presidential villa since he returned to the country in March following a 49-day medical vacation in London. He has repeatedly missed the weekly Cabinet meeting, fueling rumor of worsening health.