President notifies National Assembly of return to office

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a letter to the National Assembly to notify lawmakers of the resumption of his executive powers after his return on Saturday, August 19, 2017.

According to a press release signed by the president's spokesperson, Femi Adesina, Buhari forwarded the notification letter to the National Assembly on Monday.

According to Adesina, the letter read in part, "In compliance with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I write to intimate you that I have resumed my functions as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from Monday, 21st August, 2017, after my medical follow-up in the United Kingdom."

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While speaking on Sunrise Daily earlier on Monday, Adesina had said the letter does not need to be read by lawmakers before it comes into effect.

According to him, despite that the nation's lawmakers are currently in recess, "Transmitting it is what the constitution requires. Once it is sent, he becomes president automatically. They don't have to read it or debate it, No. What the Constitution requires is for him to send it. Once it is sent, he assumes office."

When the president left the country on May 7 to resume treatment for an undisclosed illness in London, he transmitted his executive powers to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

After staying in London for 103 days, the president returned to Nigeria on Saturday to widespread jubilation in Abuja and relief around the country.