President Muhammadu Buhari arrived Nigeria on Friday at about 4am, 51 days after he left the country on a medical vacation, ThisDay has reported.
The President, the newspaper said, landed at the Kaduna airport because of the closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and was flown by helicopter to the President Villa.
It added that sources also revealed that Buhari might address the nation Friday after his 51-day absence, in order to quell any concerns over his capacity to govern.
Daily Trust also reported that Buhari’s plane was expected to touch down at the Kaduna International Airport by 5:30 am.
The Presidency announced his arrival in a message by spokesman, Femi Adesina, late Thursday.
The President left the country on January 19, 2017 for a vacation, during which he had routine medical check-ups.
The holiday was extended based on doctors’ recommendation for further tests and rest.
In Buhari’s absence, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has won plaudits for his proactive, hands-on approach in contrast to his boss’ slow style of leadership.
While he’s been in charge for just short of two months, Osinbajo has overseen a new currency policy which, while not as definitive as investors may have hoped, has had the desired effect of slowing down the naira’s slide against the dollar.
Osinbajo has also visited major oil-producing communities in Nigeria’s volatile south. With militancy resuming last year and hobbling productivity as well as government revenues, Osinbajo’s visits were seen as an important move to maintain a fragile peace.
Just as importantly, Osinbajo also launched a 60-day action plan aimed at making it easier to do business in Nigeria given the country’s lack of improvement in recent World Bank Doing Business reports. As part of the plan, Nigeria has relaxed entry visa rules for investors and tourists.
Adesina, in his message on Thursday said “President Buhari expresses appreciation to teeming Nigerians from across the country, and beyond, who had prayed fervently for him, and also sent their good wishes.”
