Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari (photo), on Sunday asked for an extension to his medical leave in the UK, a statement from the office of the presidency revealed.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the National Assembly today, February 5, 2017, informing of his desire to extend his leave in order to complete and receive the results of a series of tests recommended by his doctors,” the statement said, not disclosing the duration of the extra time.

Buhari had been due to return on February 6, 2017, from the leave which began on January 23, 2017. The president’s demand for an extension has increased suspicions among Nigerians whether he was still alive or that his health was worse than what was publicly admitted by officials and this could further erode investors’ confidence in his administration which is already under pressure.

This leave is the third since the President assumed office in May 2015 and the third time he will be transferring power to the Vice-president, Yemi Oshinbajo, to act on his behalf.

Anita Fatunji