Nigeria anticipates a returned Buhari’s address to the nation

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to speak to the nation Monday morning following his weekend arrival in Abuja, as he ends a stay in London for medical treatment that began more than three months ago.
Buhari plans to speak at 7 a.m., according to a statement from presidential spokesman Femi Adesina. He has not spoken publicly since his flight and welcome home on Saturday.
The return of the ailing president was welcomed by Nigerians, both political friend and foe, including the “Return or Resign” protesters who began this month to demand a decision from the administration. It was celebrated across the country.
A prayer service at Aso Villa Chapel to honor Buhari’s return was attended by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, while the governor of Kogi state in south-central Nigeria declared Monday a holiday to celebrate the president.
“The President thanks all Nigerians who have prayed ceaselessly for his recovery and well-being since the beginning of his health challenge,” his office said in a statement.
Buhari has been gone since May 7 in what is the second extended absence this year attributed to his health concerns. Neither Buhari nor any Nigerian officials have made a public statement explaining any diagnosis, or clearly shared information about why he is being treated.
There is some hope that Buhari will clear the air in his address, amid what has been a year marked with significant uncertainty about his ability to lead in a nation that’s become impatient with the lack of transparency. It comes as the nation works toward economic recovery while struggling with continued security issues and political unrest.
Image: Government of Nigeria