Tinubu issues directive to Shettima

President Bola Tinubu has quietly directed Vice-President Kashim Shettima to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital in London.

Sources familiar with the matter told The Cable that the visit took place on Monday, July 7.

Buhari, who has been away from public eye for some time, is said to have been admitted to the hospital in a serious condition but is now responding to treatment.

Sources confirmed that Shettima flew out from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he had attended an environmental event, and arrived in London on Monday morning to personally deliver Tinubu’s message to Buhari.

President Tinubu, who was in St. Lucia at the time on a state visit, reportedly asked Shettima to find out how the former president was doing and to offer him support as he recovers.

In the same trip, Shettima also visited General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former Head of State.

The news of Buhari’s health caused worry earlier in the week, especially as reports claimed he was in intensive care.

However, close aides have said that although Buhari is unwell, his condition is not as bad as some reports claimed.

Former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu confirmed that Buhari is receiving treatment in the UK and is recovering.

He recalled that Buhari had travelled for his routine check-up before falling ill.

Another former aide, Bashir Ahmad, also said Buhari is stable and doing better than people assumed, adding that the family remains hopeful for a full recovery.

Buhari has a history of medical travels to London, especially during his presidency from 2015 to 2023.

He spent extended periods abroad for treatment, including over three months in 2017.

Since leaving office, he has kept a low profile, mostly staying in Daura or Kaduna, with occasional trips abroad.