UK denies that Buhari and Goodluck plan to hold meetings on Niger Delta crisis in London

BRITAIN has denied that President Muhammadu Buhari and his predecessor Dr Goodluck Jonathan are both in London to meet over the Niger Delta crisis pointing out that the two of them being in town at the same time is purely coincidental.

 

President Muhammadu Buhari is in London for medical treatment on an ear infection, while Dr Jonathan is on a speaking tour believed to be sponsored by Bloomberg. Rumour had it that the two men met in London earlier this week to discuss the raging Niger Delta crisis with a view to finding a solution to the problem.

 

However, according to the British high commission in Abuja, there was no truth whatsoever in the several reports claiming that President Buhari was attending a meeting Dr Jonathan in London under the guise of seeking medical attention. High commission spokesman Joe Abuku, President Buhari is in London solely for medical purposes on the advice of his doctors.

 

Mr Abuku said: “Reports suggesting that the British government has set up a meeting with President Buhari, former President, Jonathan, and representatives of Niger Delta groups to discuss a solution to recent violence in the Niger Delta region are incorrect. We are not aware of any meetings on the Niger Delta while he is there.”

 

On Monday this week, President Buhari arrived in London for a 10-day break during which he will receive treatment on a nagging ear infection and recuperate amid the likelihood that he will have an operation. According to sources within the presidential villa, President Buhari is ill with Meniere Disease that has hampered his hearing in his left ear.

 

However, according to US-based publication Sahara Reporters, President Buhari also needs to undergo treatment for a terrible cough that has persisted longer than the ear infection.  It indicates that this may lead to his stay being prolonged and vice president Professor Yemi Osinbajo serving as acting president for longer.