Tobias Sylvester
President Muhammadu Buhari has scheduled his next trip from Saudi Arabia, where he would participate in the Economic Forum of the Future Investment Initiative (FII), to London for a private visit.
KanyiDaily had reported that that Buhari departed Abuja on Monday for Saudi Arabia, to attend the third edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) organised by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The event will hold from Tuesday, October 29 to Thursday, October 31, 2019.
However, a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, said President Buhari is not expected back in Nigeria until November 17.
According to the statement, Buhari would leave Saudi Arabia for the United Kingdom on November 2 for a private visit. It reads:
“President Buhari on the sideline of the event, would hold bilateral talks with His Majesty King Salman and His Majesty King Abdullah ll of Jordan.
“On Wednesday, 30th October 2019, the President will participate in the High-Level Event titled: “What is Next for Africa: How will Investment and Trade Transform the Continent into the Next Great Economic Success Story?” with Presidents of Kenya, Congo-Brazzaville and Burkina Faso.
“At the end of the summit, President Buhari will on Saturday 2nd November 2019, proceed to the United Kingdom on a private visit. He is expected to return to Nigeria on 17th November 2019.”
The President’s visit to the UK, it is speculated, will provide him an opportunity to see his doctors who have managed his health challenges in time past.
Buhari’s health has been a sticking point among Nigerians who have watched him travel to the UK severally in recent years.
In May 2017, the President left Nigeria for the UK where he was treated for an undisclosed illness, leaving Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to function in an acting capacity until he returned to the country on August 21.
That followed an earlier visit to London in January of same year.
