Jonathan Falls Ill, Undergoes Medical Check-up in London

President Goodluck Jonathan could not attend the meeting of Nigeria’s Honorary International Investors’ Council Thursday in London as he fell ill and had to undergo a medical check-up.
Jonathan had left Nigeria early Wednesday for London, thus missing the celebration of his 56th birthday with members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). He was expected to preside over the three-day meeting of the council.
Top on the agenda of the meeting is generating long-term affordable finance for Nigeria's real sector, developing the nation's private equity and venture capital sectors to attract more foreign investments, as well as Nigeria's information and communications technology master plan.

However, he could not attend the first day of the meeting yesterday as he fell ill and had to be taken to a hospital, where after a medical examination, he was advised to rest for a few days.

Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, said in a statement that Jonathan, after the doctors' examination, was advised to rest for a few days.
“In the course of his ongoing visit to London for a meeting of Nigeria’s Honorary International Investors’ Council, President Goodluck Jonathan became indisposed and could not be present at the opening of the meeting today (yesterday).

“President Jonathan has since been examined by competent medical practitioners. He has been advised to rest for a few days.

“The presidency wishes to assure all Nigerians that President Jonathan’s condition is nothing serious and that the medical attention he has sought is only precautionary,” the statement said.

The meeting of Nigeria’s Honorary International Investors’ Council is coordinated by Baroness Lynda Chalker and will feature a review of Nigeria’s existing investment policies by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Paris-based international organisation dedicated to the promotion of policies that improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.

On the president's entourage are Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; his Borno State counterpart, Alhaji Kashim Shettima; Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Olusegun Aganga; Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke; Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki; supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri; and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, has sent a get-well message to the president.

Amaechi, one of the aggrieved seven governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) locked in a war of attrition with the president and the party, in a tweet yesterday, prayed for the quick recovery of Jonathan, saying: “Our hearts and prayers are with President Goodluck Jonathan. Quick recovery Mr. President.”

November 22, 2013