Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari resumes work after sick leave on Monday March 13, 2017.

ICMS, Inc Reports
Tom Okure, Ph.D

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari resumes work today three days after returning home. Before settling down to work he had a pleasant meeting and briefing session with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. The two are alleged to have spoken privately for over an hour.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo meets to brief  President Muhammadu Buhari

President Buhari looked frail in health when he came off the plane upon his return from medical treatment in London on Friday March 10, 2017.

In a nine-minute welcome speech to the nation on Friday, Buhari stated that he came back in the weekend deliberately "so I will continue to rest". He also observed that he will need further medical checkups.

In a press statement issued by the Presidents special adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, Buhari stated “I have resumed my functions as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from Monday," The President’s action is in compliance with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo during a briefing
session with  President Muhammadu Buhari
upon his resumption of work

The President has transmitted letters to the Senate and the House of Representatives formally as required by law, informing the National Assembly about his resumption of official duties after his vacation.

On January 19, 2017 it will be recalled, that the President transmitted a letter to the National Assembly indicating that he was taking a 10 days’ vacation in the United Kingdom (London). The President also formally handed the powers of his office to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Even so, the President did not return from his vacation after the 10 days passed on February 6.

In another letter transmitted to the National Assembly, the President extended his medical vacation and leave, stating that his doctors' directives required him to remain abroad for a series of additional medical tests. No definite date of his return was provided for the Presidents return. It was therefore a welcome relieve to the country and especially the president’s supporters when the President suddenly came back home on Friday after spending 51 days in London on medical leave. During the Presidents sick leave in London the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had been acting as on behalf of Mr Buhari.