Still no sign of Nigeria’s ill president

NIGERIA’S ailing president was glaringly absent yesterday as his deputy marked their two years in power, with no word on the head of state’s health three weeks after he went on indefinite medical leave.

Muhammadu Buhari, 74, and his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo, were sworn into office on May 29 2015, two months after securing the first opposition victory against a sitting president in Nigerian history.

But their election pledges to defeat Boko Haram Islamists and tackle endemic corruption have been overshadowed, first by economic recession and increasingly by speculation about Buhari’s health.

The former military ruler spent nearly two months being treated for an undisclosed illness in London in January and February.

He left for a fresh round of treatment in the British capital on May 7 and has not been heard from or seen since.

Rumours swirled that he might send a prerecorded message to the nation for the public holiday yesterday.

But Osinbajo said only in a speech: “I bring you good wishes from President Muhammadu Buhari, who as we all know is away from the country on medical vacation.”

He ended by asking for people’s “continued prayers for the restoration to full health and strength and the safe return of our president”.

Buhari’s health – and his ability to lead – has increasingly overshadowed politics in Nigeria, particularly in the last three weeks because of the lack of update.

Presidential aides said at a briefing in Abuja last week that they would not even answer questions about it.

Buhari did not attend a G7 summit in Sicily last week, although he was among several African leaders invited. Osinbajo went in his place.

Buhari was last seen in a photo call with the 82 Chibok girls released by Boko Harem just before he left for London. – AFP