Nigerian President Buhari extends medical leave in London

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the National Assembly legislature to extend his medical leave in London over health concerns, an official said.

Buhari, 74, left Nigeria to visit London on Jan. 19 for what he described as a short leave that was part of his annual vacation. He initially said he would be back at work on Monday, but that timeframe has been delayed.

Garba Shehu, Buhari's spokesperson, said there is "nothing to worry about" in relation to Buhari's health amid rising fears the president's health is deteriorating further than what is being publicly revealed.

"I spoke to the president's personal doctor last night, and he told me President Buhari is not in any serious condition to worry about. He is not in hospital. He is in the residence at the Nigerian High Commission," Shehu said in a statement. "He and his delegation were ready to come home yesterday but for the delayed test result which came in yesterday necessitated that he delays his return. There is nothing to worry about as far as his condition is concerned."

Shehu did not say how long Buhari will remain in Britain. In June, Buhari spent nearly two weeks in London to receive treatment following an ear infection. Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is Nigeria's acting president.

Femi Fani-Kayode, a Nigerian lawyer and politician who previously served as minister of culture and tourism as well as minister of aviation, said Buhari's extended leave proves concerns about the erosion of Nigeria's confidence in his administration amid a weak economy and the ongoing conflict with the Boko Haram militant Islamist group.

"Buhari has finally [acknowledged] that he is sick and has extended his stay abroad [indefinitely]. It is now clear that Nigeria is in trouble," Fani-Kayode said in a statement. "Nigeria is now on auto-pilot. Pray for Osinbajo. Pray for Nigeria ... An ill wind is about to be unleashed."