Buhari in competent hands, no cause for alarm – Minister

Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, again on Wednesday assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm over the state of health of President Muhammadu Buhari who is currently in London, United Kingdom for medical follow-up.

He said the President was in competent hands in the British capital.

Mohammed gave the assurance State House correspondents a meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo.

“On the issue of the President’s health, Mr. President is in very competent hands and there is no cause for alarm,” the minister said while responding to a question on the current health status of the President.

The minister also gave an indication that the Presidency may not sign the 2017 Appropriation Bill recently passed by the National Assembly any time soon.

He said Ministries, Departments and Agencies were still busy scrutinising the document forwarded by the Federal lawmakers.

“On the issue of budget, Ministries, Departments and Agencies are still going through their budgets and they are coordinating with the Minister of Budget and National Planning,” he simply said.

Buhari left Nigeria for the United Kingdom on May 7 for a follow-up consultation with his doctors.

His wife, Aisha, on Tuesday left the country to join him in London.

According to a statement by her spokesperson, Bisi Olumide-Ajayi, the President’s wife thanked Nigerians who have been praying for her husband.

The statement read, “The wife of the President, Her Excellency, Mrs. Aisha Buhari today (Tuesday) left for the United Kingdom.

“Her Excellency will spend some time with her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari, who is presently on medical vacation.

“She expressed her appreciation to the millions of Nigerians who have been praying for his quick and safe return.”

Mrs. Buhari’s journey came three weeks after her husband embarked on his latest medical vacation.