Nigerian leader's UK medical trip fuels health rumors

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - News that Nigeria’s leader will travel to the U.K. for medical treatment Monday has fuelled speculation about President Muhammadu Buhari’s health.

Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina said in a statement late Sunday that Buhari would go on a 10-day trip to London where he would see doctors for “a persistent ear infection”.

There have been rumors that the president is unwell. Buhari has repeatedly canceled official engagements over the past weeks, including last Thursday’s start of a major operation to clean up the Ogoniland oil spill, fuelling speculations he may be unwell.

A retired army general, the 73-year-old leader often appeared energetic but looked unusually weak in a May 29 national broadcast marking his first year in office.