President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday said his health has improved tremendously and wish to return to the country soon.
The President however reminded Nigerians that his doctors and not himself, would determine his return date to the country.
President Buhari has been in London since May 7 when he returned for a follow-up treatment for an undisclosed ailment.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President spoke to members of his media team, including Adesina himself, Minister of Information and Culture , Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, and Personal Assistant on Digital/Online Media, Lauretta Onochie, as well as Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who visited him in Abuja House, London.
“But I’ve learnt to obey my doctor’s orders, rather than be the one issuing the orders. Here, the doctor is absolutely in charge,” the President was quoted in the statement.
When the team expressed delight at the much improved health of the President, he retorted: “I feel I could go home, but the doctors are in charge. I’ve now learnt to obey orders, rather than be obeyed.”
On how he felt hearing different conjectures about his health, an amused President Buhari said he followed events at home closely, lauding Nigerian television stations, and the media generally, for keeping him informed.
When told that prayers were going on fervently for him, not only in Nigeria, but all over Africa, and round the world, a delighted President said: “What we did in The Gambia early this year fetched us a lot of goodwill on the African continent. It gave us a lot of latitude. I thank all those who are praying. May God reward them.”
“President Buhari sent appreciation to all Nigerians, expressing hope that he would be with them soon,” the statement said.