President Muhammadu Buhari arrived Nigeria Saturday around 4pm from the United Kingdom where he had been receiving medical treatment for what many believed was cancer.
The Nigerian Air Force plane carrying Mr. Buhari landed at the Abuja international airport at exactly 4.36 p.m. Nigerian time.
His sudden change of mind would surprise many who have been following statements and accounts from the presidency and other visitors who said Buhari was not in a hurry to come back.
Sen. President Bukola Saraki who visited him Wednesday tweeted Thursday the president had learnt to obey his doctors’ advice, and so would continue his rest in the Nigerian House in London.
Many, however, are wondering whether the Resumeorresign protest that started Friday night in front of the Nigerian House hastened Buhari’s return.
The protest group got police permits for the intended seven-day rally which was going to include a candle night session, sit-outs, and others.
This might be the second time he would probably be disobeying his doctors because of mounting political pressure at home.
Buhari left Nigeria May 7 for medical attention in London.
Although he handed over to his V.P Yemi Osinbajo, as the Constitution requires, many believe his continued stay could have meant he was incapacitated, especially considering the how the health conditon became a state secret.
Opposition loudmouths like Ekiti Gov. Ayo Fayose and Femi Fani-Kayode strongly believed the president was either brain dead or dead.
His arrival however confirmed Aso Rock statements confirming Buhari’s health has improved.
Dozens of state officials were at the airport to receive him.
Among those at the airport were Govs. Abdullahi Ganduje, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi, Abubakar Bello of Niger, Nyeson Wike of Rivers, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Deputy governor of Kaduna state, Barnabas Bala, the National Assembly, service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, as well as other presidential aides.
Also there were the National Security Adviser to the President (NSA), Babagana Monguno; the Director-General, State Security Service, SSS, Lawal Daura, and other dignitaries.
The president took a national salute from the Presidential Guards Brigade while cultural groups sang and danced to welcome him back home.
Buhari later rode in a motorcade to the presidential villa.
He is expected to speak in a national broadcast on Monday at 7 a.m.
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