President in 5-minute telephone chat with House Speaker, Dogara

Amid speculations about the state of health of President Muhammadu Buhari currently on vacation in the United Kingdom, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, said on Thursday, February 9, 2017, that he had spoken with the president.

According to the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, the President called Dogara on Wednesday night.

“The President called the Speaker at about 9.20 p.m. on Wednesday and the two leaders spoke for a little over five minutes.

“Although the President and the Speaker discussed other national issues, much of it centred on how the Executive and the Legislature can work together to ensure food security for Nigerians and prevent a relapse into events of 2016,’’ Hassan said in a statement.

Senate President Bukola Saraki, who said he had also spoken with Buhari, tweeted: “He is hale and hearty, going by his voice on telephone which suggested that he is in sound health.’’

ALSO READ: Buhari expected back in Nigeria on Saturday, February 11

The President had proceeded on a 10-day vacation in UK on Jan. 19 for a routine medical check as indicated in a letter to the Senate which also authorised Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to act as president pending his return.

However, at the expiration of the 10 days, the President, who could not make it back to the country, transmitted another letter to the Senate requesting extension of time to complete his check-up.