The First Lady, Aisha Buhari, on Sunday gave reasons for her absence from the country.
Aisha who returned to Nigeria amid rumors that her husband allegedly planned to marry the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster and Management, Sadiya Umar Farouq, said she fell sick and was advised to stay back to attend to her health.
Reports had it that Buhari was to marry the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster and Management, Sadiya Umar Farouq, on Friday.
However, Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, dispelled that Buhari was picking another wife, stressing that the “rumour was a deceptive manoeuvre by those who fabricated the news.”
But, speaking to newsmen, shortly after her arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Aisha expressed gratitude to almighty God for journey mercy back to Nigeria from the United Kingdom after a medical leave was advised by her doctor.
She said, “It has been a tradition for us. For like 20 to 27 years now, if our children are on holiday, we used to spend holiday with them.
“I never abandon my children and last year, I went to Spain and spent two months with Zahra when she gave birth.
“So, the same this year’s holiday in U.K, I fell sick; so, I stayed back to see a doctor and the doctor advised me to stay back to attend to my health.
“From the U.K, I travelled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and returned to England on doctor’s advice and they also advised that I should slow down my activities.’’
She also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for approving some Special Assistants to her office to assist her to achieve the mission of improving the lives and wellbeing of women and children in Nigeria.
The first lady cautioned Nigerians against spreading fake news, saying that it does no good to anyone and urged relevant stakeholders to make efforts to stem the act.
”The genesis of this fake news started when my husband fell sick and perpetrators of this act were showing fake Ambulance, Hospital and dead body suggesting that my husband is dead.
“That time, I received so many calls from other first ladies and Presidents of other countries to confirm; so I called the attention of NCC, NBC and the National Orientation Agency.
“Fake news will lead this country to something else if actions are not taken with immediate effect,’’ NAN quoted her as saying.
The first lady was received at the Airport by the wife of Kogi State Governor, Mrs Rashida Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Administration), Dr Hajo Sani and wife of former Governor of Nasarawa State, Mrs Mairo Al-Makura, among others.
