Nigerian leader returns "for national service" after prolonged

Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari on Friday pledged to rededicate himself to the service of the west African nation in an address he delivered few hours after he returned to the country following a prolonged medical vacation in the United Kingdom.

Upon his arrival in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, Buhari, though frail-looking, said his health had improved significantly and expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their prayers and show of goodwill.

"The best way for me to repay you is to rededicate myself to serving you, protecting your interest and keeping your trust," he said.

However, there may be the need for him to embark on another medical trip, "for further follow up within some weeks," he added.

Buhari had left the country on January 19 for a vacation in London, during which he had a routine medical check-up.

The holiday was extended based on doctors' recommendation for further tests and rest.

Before leaving Nigeria, Buhari had sent a letter to the National Assembly requesting a 10-day vacation. He transferred power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as Acting President.

Buhari could not resume his duties earlier in February when he was expected to return to Nigeria. A letter requesting an extension of his vacation was sent to the Senate. The president said he required further medical tests.

In the past two weeks, Buhari had been quite busy receiving visitors from Nigeria and making phone calls home.

Early February, he had a phone conversation with the U.S. President Donald Trump, and later in the month he received a call from the Moroccan king.

Earlier Thursday, the presidency published photographs of his meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury in London.

Upon his arrival in Abuja early Friday, Buhari held private discussions with Osinbajo and later, he and Osinbajo had a meeting with some top officials of the country.

Thereafter, he addressed the nation and retired to his presidential residence "to rest for the weekend before resuming work on Monday."

In a statement released Friday, Nigeria's governing All Progressives Congress party said it believes Buhari has returned with new vigor and optimism to fix the challenges facing the people and fulfill the electoral promises of the party.

Source: Xinhua