Buhari to Nigerians: I’m grateful for your prayers, no cause for worry; Senate reads president’s letter for extension of vacation

President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured Nigerians of his health conditions, thanking them for their consistent prayers for his well-being.
In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, Buhari particularly thanked millions of Nigerians who had been sending good wishes to him.
The President revealed that the results of the test conducted on him indicated that he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating his staying longer than originally planned.
The statement read: “President Muhammadu Buhari thanks millions of Nigerians who have been sending good wishes and praying for his health and well-being in mosques and churches throughout the country.
“The President is immensely grateful for the prayers, show of love and concern.
“President Buhari wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is no cause for worry.
“During his normal annual checkup, tests showed he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating the President staying longer than originally planned.’’
The president had proceeded on a 10-day vacation and a routine medical check in UK on Jan. 19.
In a letter he sent to both arms of the National Assembly, the president said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo would act as president, pending his return.
The president, who could not make it back to the country on February 6, transmitted another letter to the Senate requesting extension of time to complete his medical check-up in London.
Meanwhile, the Senate on Tuesday officially read Buhari’s letter dated February 5, requesting an extension of his vacation to further finish up some medical checkups.
Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, read the letter at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday.
The senate had before resumption from its four weeks suspension of plenary, admitted receiving the letter from the President.
The president recalled his letter of January 18, 2017 in which he notified the Senate that he was taking part of his annual leave.
“During my leave, I took the opportunity to have routine checkups and consult my long standing doctors in London. In the course of the routine examinations, certain tests results indicated the need for a course of medications and further appointments rescheduled for next week.
“I am, therefore, notifying the distinguished senate that I am extending my leave until the doctors are satisfied that certain factors are ruled out.
“In the circumstances, Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo would continue to act on my behalf. Please accept distinguished Senate President the assurances of my highest consideration,” the letter read.
In his remarks, Saraki said that the National Assembly leadership visited President Muhammadu Buhari in London, adding that he was in good spirit and in good health.
“He was chatting as usual and conveys his best wishes and hopes to be back with us very soon,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, the Senate has condoled with the House of Representatives over the death of Rep.  Bello Sani representing Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency of Katsina State.
“Our condolence is to his family and the government of Katsina State.
“He was a gentle man, principled and cosmopolitan who interacted very well with members of the National Assembly,’’ he said.
He prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.