From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to leave Abuja, on Thursday, for the United Kingdom on a “short leave”, the Presidency has said.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said in a statement that the leave is part of his annual vacation.
Adesina said, in line with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President of the Senate, and Speaker, House of Representatives, have been duly communicated.
“While away, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, will perform the functions of the Office of the President”.
Vice President Osinbajo, who should oversees the affairs of state is currently in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Summit, and is expected back in the country on Friday.
The President is expected to resume work on February 6, 2017.
Adesina said President Buhari would also undergo routine medical check-ups during the 18 days vacation.
The President has not had public engagement since Monday this week.
The President had met with the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, on Tuesday, at his residence in the Presidential Villa.
The weekly Federal Executive Council meeting (FEC) was shelved on Wednesday, though the presidency had said it was in respect of the accidental bombing of a civilian community in Borno State.
As at the time of this report, his convoy was being lined up in readiness for the airport.