Nigeria's president absent again, concerns increase for his health

ADS 300px;height:250px

Muhammadu Buhari came to power with pledge to battle corruption, revive economy and fight Boko Haram

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has been more absent this year than he has been present. Two weeks ago, the 74-year-old left for London to have medical treatment for an unspecified condition and it's unclear when he will return. http://konga.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/co3dhla?k_id=20131836733&desturl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tokanews.com&k_cid=597b4c72 In January, a planned 10-day vacation combined with "routine" check-ups, again in the U.K., stretched to nearly two months, fuelling speculation about the true state of his health Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and just three years ago leapfrogged South Africa to become the continent's biggest economy

Concern if president missing

So for its head of state to be missing for so long is cause for concern, particularly given its fragile democracy, with economic difficulties and security threats including the Boko Haram Islamist group. As long as Buhari is away, who has power — and who might replace him -— will be the main focus, instead of addressing Nigeria's many problems.

The last time Buhari was seen was two weeks ago with the 82 Chibok schoolgirls who had just been freed after more than three years held captive by the jihadists. The photocall with the girls was carefully stage-managed, but failed to hide that Buhari was a shadow of his former self: gaunt, frail and painfully thin


Immediately afterwards, he left for London.

Playing down the unspecified illness

Buhari's aides have repeatedly played down the severity of his illness, even though he missed three consecutive cabinet meetings, Friday prayers and his grandson's wedding. During his first trip for treatment in June last year and in January, aides asserted that he was "hale and hearty." But the language since has changed. Buhari himself admitted in early March that he had "never been so ill" and had had blood transfusions.