Nigerian president returns home, resumes duties

World
Europe

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari returned home on Saturday after spending more than 100 days in the UK where he had sought treatment for an unspecified illness.

This was his second medical leave in the UK this year, having spent about two months in London earlier.

Upon his return, Buhari called upon Nigerians to remain united, saying he would renew his efforts in tackling the key issues facing the country such as the fight against Islamist militant group Boko Haram, a secessionist uprising in the east and clashes between nomadic herdsmen and farmers.

President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Nigeria after a long absence for medical treatment in Britain. /AFP Photo

"Nigeria’s unity is settled and not negotiable," he said. "We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble, and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood."

Earlier this month, critics had begun piling pressure on the president to resign for being away from duty for so long, but such calls are not backed up with any provisions in the constitution.

While Buhari was away, Vice President Temi Osinbajo was left in charge.

Osinbajo visited the president in the UK last month, where he is reported to have given him an account of affairs in Nigeria while he was away.

11011km