Jubiliation as Buhari Returns from London

President Muhammadu Buhari was received with pomp and ceremonies today as he arrived Abuja from London, where he had spent 103 days on sick leave.

The Nigeria Air Force One jet that brought the President touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport in Abuja at 4:30pm.

On arrival, the President walked briskly to the podium to receive the national salute.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, his Vice, who acted as president during his absence led the delegation that received Buhari at the crowded airport.

Others at the airport to receive him were service chiefs and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), including some governors.

Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara were also at the airport.

Dancers were there to entertain the President.

Buhari is expected to speak to Nigerians in a broadcast by 7am (0600 GMT) on Monday, August 21.

In a telephone conversation relayed live by Channels TV, information minister Lai Mohammed explained that Buhari inspected the guard of honour and also walked to see the Fulani dancers.

The president’s prolonged absence in the country was causing tensions with some calling for him to resign or return.

The 74-year-old leader took his first medical leave in Britain in January this year, which lasted nearly two months. He returned in March saying he had “never been so ill”. He returned there on May 7.

While in London, for his second medical leave, the president received many visitors including Mr Osinbajo, and the ruling party and opposition politicians. In most visits, pictures were taken and shared with the media in an attempt to quell public anxiety over his health.

Others who visited the president included the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and renowned Nigerian Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

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