TheCable

Aisha, wife of President Muhammadu  Buhari, has returned to London where her ailing husband is recuperating.

She had returned to the country on Thursday after spending at least four weeks with her husband who has been out of the country since May 7.

During her brief visit to the country, the president’s wife attended a programme in Owerri, Imo state capital.

She had encouraged women to be the champions of unity in the country.

On Monday, Bisi Olumide-Ajayi, spokeswoman of the president’s wife, confirmed that her principal had left the country.

“Yes, Her Excellency travelled back to London yesterday. I can assure you that it was not as if she was quickly called to return to London. I think she came back to the country because she had some things to do,” Olumide-Ajayi said on telephone.

Her return last week was seen as an indication that her husband would soon be back in the country, but with the new development, the waiting game continues.

Earlier on Monday, some civil society groups marched to the presidential villa in Abuja to demand that the president return to the country or resign.

Femi Adesina, spokesman of the president, had described their demand as unconstitutional.

The nature of the president’s ailment is not known to the public and this has fuelled speculations about his health.

In his first seven weeks abroad, the president was not seen or heard in public.

Although, he has started receiving visitors and getting in touch with some leaders at home — he has spoken with two governors in the last five days — critics have continued to lash at the president.

Buhari condoled with Rauf Aregbesola, governor of Osun, who lost his mother last week and also communicated with Willie Obiano, governor of Anambra state, after the shooting that led to 12 deaths at a Catholic church in Anambra.