UPDATE - Nigerian president returns after 51-day medical break

ADDS BUHARI’S LETTER TO PARLIAMENT, ADDRESS TO CABINET, DETAILS THROUGHOUT

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari Friday morning arrived in the country after a 51-day medical vacation in London.

He will send a letter to parliament on Monday on his readiness to assume office, in line with the law, bucking earlier claims that his deputy would continue to act while he rests, according to his spokesman Femi Adesina.

In a short address to his Cabinet, Buhari thanked his countrymen for their prayers.

“I am feeling much better now. There may, however, be a need to have further follow-ups within some weeks,” said the president, looking pale and weak to many observers.

Buhari’s media office Thursday announced he would return to Nigeria apparently after getting the green light from his doctors. His arrival comes a day after he met his longtime friend Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury.

The president's absence had sparked controversies about his health and ominous political speculation, with some predicting another political crisis akin to what the country went through in 2009-2010 when President Umaru Musa YarAdua fell ill and eventually died in office.

But Buhari’s absence created no constitutional crisis because he properly handed over powers to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo -- a marked difference from YarAdua.

Buhari is reportedly battling an undisclosed ailment. Last year he visited London to treat what his media office called serious “ear infections”.

Buhari left the country on Jan. 19 for a vacation, during which he had routine medical check-ups. He was due back on Feb. 6 but the holiday was extended based on doctors' recommendation for further tests and rest.

"President Buhari expresses appreciation to teeming Nigerians from across the country, and beyond, who had prayed fervently for him, and also sent their good wishes," according to a statement Thursday night.