London Trip: Buhari Seeks Cooperation, Meets Osinbajo, Saraki, Dogara

Ahead of his departure for London to continue his medical treatment on Sunday night, President Muhammadu Buhari, met with his Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, where he expectedly briefed them on the impending trip, seeking their cooperation for the nation’s smooth running in his absence.
The meeting held at the President’s official residence in the Villa, was also attended by the President’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari, a former Executive Director and later Managing Director of UBA Plc.
Taking once more to his twitter handle, President Buhari wrote: “As I noted earlier, I have absolute confidence that government will continue to run smoothly, while I’m away. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Announcing the need to travel for medical attention in London earlier, the President had also on twitter reminded Nigerians: “when I came back in March, I hinted that there might be a need to return soon for follow-Up.”
In a statement, Femi Adesina, Buhari’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity explained that the President initially planned to leave Sunday afternoon, but opted to receive the 82 Chibok girls who arrived in Abuja earlier in the day.
According to him, “the President wishes to assure all Nigerians that there is no cause for worry. He is very grateful for the prayers and good wishes of the people, and hopes they would continue to pray for the peace and unity of the nation.”
I what may be an indefinite and prolonged absence, the statement hinted that “the length of the President’s stay in London will be determined by the doctors. Government will continue to function normally under the able leadership of the Vice President.
“President Buhari has transmitted letters about the trip to the Senate and the House of Representatives, in compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution,” he added.