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Buhari returns to Nigeria after London medical stay

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AFP Abuja
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Abuja, saying he was feeling well after a two-week stay in London where he received treatment for an ear infection.

"I'm ok. You can see me inspecting the guard of honour," the 73-year-old told reporters yesterday as he arrived back at Abuja airport.

Speaking in the local Hausa language, he jokingly added: "I'm strong, If you want to wrestle with me, let's wrestle."

His spokesman Femi Adesina said the president would resume work from today.

Buhari left Nigeria on June 6 for tests on what the presidency described as a "persistent ear infection" that had forced him to pull out of a series of engagements.
 

According to the presidency, Buhari went to see an ear, nose and throat specialist in the British capital "purely as a precaution".

The presidency has historically been reticent about disclosing health matters of the head of state and speculation has swirled for weeks about the seriousness of Buhari's condition.

Ahead of the trip to London, he notably cancelled a planned visit to Lagos and missed a meeting of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS.

Buhari had initially been due to arrive back in Nigeria on Thursday.

His delayed return prompted fresh concern about his health woes, which come at a sensitive time for the country as it grapples with the security threat from Boko Haram Islamists and economic difficulties.

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First Published: Jun 20 2016 | 3:02 AM IST

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