President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday said his absence from the country is based on doctor’s orders though he feels ready to return to Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement issued by the President’s media aide, Femi Adesina who was part of a team that paid the president a visit.

The team included Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information; Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity; Lauretta Onochie, Personal Assistant on Digital/Online Media and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters. The president is quoted as saying there is “tremendous” improvement in his health and that he wishes to return home.

“But I’ve learnt to obey my doctor’s orders, rather than be the one issuing the orders. Here, the doctor is absolutely in charge.

“I feel I could go home, but the doctors are in charge. I’ve now learnt to obey orders, rather than be obeyed,” he said.

Buhari also thanked Nigerians and everyone who has been praying for his recovery.

The president is reported to have expressed his amusement at the conjectures regarding his health while lauding media houses in the country for helping him stay informed.

President Buhari expressed hope that he would be back in Nigeria soon.

The president has been away from the country on medical vacation since May 7.