*Says ‘I am feeling much better’

*Aisha the happiest as women, ministers incluidng Adebayo Shittu, Ngige joined her receiving her husband

*How Nigerians worldwide celebrate their President’s return

*Boss resumes work today, Monday

 – Femi Adesina

By Kemi Kasumu

Rather than sending delegation upon delegation to Abuja to welcome me, may I appeal to all Nigerians to continue to pray for our country’s unity, progress and prosperity.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who returned to the country on Friday, has told Nigerians that the best way he would repay them for their support and prayers is to re-dedicate himself to serving them.

He stated this in a three-paragraph speech he delivered upon arriving at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, after an extended vacation abroad during which he had to undergo some medical checkups.

The President said also told Nigerians that he was much better now even though, according to him, he ‘may’ need to have further follow-ups within some weeks.

“I am deeply grateful to all Nigerians –

Muslims and Christians alike who have prayed and are continuing to pray for my good health. This is a testimony that in spite of the   hardship   being experienced, Nigerians support the Government in its effort to tackle our country’s challenges.”

“The best way for me to repay you all is to re-dedicate myself to serving you,   protecting   your   interests and keeping your trust. I thank you very much.

“I am feeling much better now, there may, however, be need to have further follow-ups   within some weeks.  Rather than sending delegation upon delegation to Abuja to welcome me, may I appeal to all Nigerians to continue to pray for our country’s unity, progress and prosperity. I thank you very much and may God bless our Country!”

Since President Buhari’s return, Nigerians have continued to burst into explosive jubilations and celebrations.

Among Nigerians who had expressed happiness at his safe return is former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, who said the return of President Muhammadu Buhari from the United Kingdom on Friday had brought stability into the polity.
Kalu told newsmen in Lagos on Sunday, “Now that the president is back, I am very happy; we have been praying.  Both Christians and Muslims have been praying because the country has been so polarised that the fabrics of our nation have been eaten with tribalism and religion.
“So I am very happy that the President is back and I want him to listen to his doctor’s advice and continue to take his medication, if any.”

The wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, who received her husband about 9a.m. at the official residence in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amidst cheers from families and well wishers, thanked Nigerians for their support and prayer for the President.

With Aisha receiving the President were wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, wives of State governors, ministers, family members and her close associates.

Aisha Buhari, who was happy at the return of her husband, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful return of the President.

In the same vein, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, expressed her happiness for the successful return of the President, who many of the faceless elements now described as enemies of Nigeria had rumoured dead upon departing Nigeria on his 10-day annual leave, which was extended on advice of the President’s doctors.

Oyo-Ita urged Nigerians to continue to pray for their leaders to enable them deliver good governance to the people.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the wife of the President, Dr. Hajo Sani, expressed her joy for the return of the President to the country.

On a separate occasion, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, Director of Information in the Office of the Wife of the President, Mr. Suleiman Haruna, also expressed their joy in separate communications with The DEFENDER.

President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Nigeria in the early hours of Friday from London.

Buhari’s Nigerian Air Force plane touched down at the new Kaduna International Airport at about 4a.m. on Friday, amid tight security.

There were also jubilations and celebrations across the world particularly in Nigeria as people slaughtered rams, take to car races, dancing and social media to ventilate their joy.  Among those who celebrated Buhari’s return on social media are:

Umar Ali Wakeel – You are most welcome back our amiable president #BuhariIsBack

Oluwagbemiga Israel Oyetunji – Welcome back to Nigeria Mr President, I’m really excited to see you back in Nigeria on my birthday… What if I say you came back today to celebrate with me?? ???, funny me. Welcome back once again.  #BuhariIsBack

Spartan Arinze – Happening Now: Ndigbo #istandwithbuhari march in Awka,the state capital of Anambra.
Buhari is back!!!!!! Welcome Mr.President!!!

Otitoju Jesus’stickz – Welcome back ? Mr president.
We love ?you. #BuhariIsBack. Glory to God

Bamigbose Janet Adewumi – I am witnessing this GMB’s victory moment to the point of tears. For the first time, I’m very conscious of what political victory means and what political defeat connotes. It’s been a long journey and I say congratulations to GMB. For those who said “#givemebuhari”, well, #buharihascome.

In the meantime, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President’s much trusted Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, had informed newsmen through a statement on Friday that his boss would resume work today that is Monday March 13, 2017.