By Gabriel Atumeyi
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday afternoon departed Nigeria for the United Kingdom through the Abuja International Airport.
Buhari is not expected back in the country until the second week in April according to an earlier statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina on Monday, when he announced the president’s trip to Nigerians.
Adesina, in the statement said that “President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to London, the United Kingdom, Tuesday, March 30, 2021, for a routine medical check-up.”
“Before his departure, Buhari will meet with Security Chiefs first in the morning, then, head to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for the journey.”
“The President is due back in the country during the second week of April 2021.”
Buhari had been forced to remain in the country and not go for medical check-up abroad in a long time due to the global coronavirus lockdown.
However, Buhari is embarking on the medical trip at a time members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors have declared their intention to commence a strike on April 1.
The President’s trip also comes a time when the country is bedeviled with many security challenges including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, amongst others.