The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured Nigerians to be ready
to see President Muhammadu Buhari return from his medical vacation in
London to the country anytime soon.
Mr. Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity
to the President, made the statement in an interview with Channels
Television in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said the president was no longer “enjoying his stay’’ outside the country.
“As a matter of fact, we should be getting ready to see the president
flesh and blood and that will be as soon as possible.
“The president (himself) is looking forward to being home to be with his people.
“I don’t think he is enjoying any longer an extended vacation outside
the country,’’ Mr. Shehu said.
Commenting on the president’s telephone conversation with U.S.
President Donald Trump, the spokesman said it was “undiplomatic’’ for
anyone to demand the release of the audio recording of the
conversation.
According to him, releasing an audio containing the telephone
conversation between two presidents is highly unethical and against
modern civilisation.
“No, I don’t think so; I don’t think it is permitted in international
diplomacy. I think if we had recorded Mr. Trump in this conversation
it would have offended our diplomatic relations.
“I think the Americans themselves would not have recorded this
conversation of president to president,’’ he said.
He, however, expressed optimism that the conversation would boost
bilateral relations between Nigeria and the U.S.
“Well, there wasn’t enough time to talk about everything. I think the
point at what will follow is in the invitation that President Trump
has extended to our president (Buhari) to come over.
“That is the kind of opportunity that was presented to Nigeria to put
all the issues on the desk.
“As for their immigration policy, I think our president has been clear
about one thing – the choices made by the Americans as to who to lead
them, in this case, Mr Trump, is entirely their own choice.
“We have no business interfering with their domestic affairs.
“As to the countries that have been barred, it has been clearly
specified and Nigeria did not feature in the list,’’ he added.
