This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-40997706

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
President Buhari in plea for Nigerian unity President Buhari in plea for Nigerian unity
(about 1 hour later)
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has addressed the nation following three months of medical leave in the UK.Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has addressed the nation following three months of medical leave in the UK.
In a televised speech, Mr Buhari said he had followed events in Nigeria closely during his absence. In a televised speech, Mr Buhari, 74, said he was "distressed" by calls for the dissolution of Nigeria, urging Nigerians to come together.
He was "distressed" by calls for the dissolution of Nigeria, he said, urging Nigerians to come together. But the president failed to disclose his illness. It was his second spell of medical leave this year.
But the president failed to disclose what he was being treated for. It was his second spell of medical leave this year. Many Nigerians had called for him to resign during his absence, saying he was unfit to run the country.
Others have called for more transparency over his condition, as speculation grows over whether he will be fit to seek a second term in 2019.
Africa Live: Updates on this and other storiesAfrica Live: Updates on this and other stories
President Buhari: ProfilePresident Buhari: Profile
BBC Pidgin service launched in NigeriaBBC Pidgin service launched in Nigeria
"I was distressed to notice that some of the comments, especially in the social media, have crossed our national red lines by daring to question our collective existence as a nation," Mr Buhari said. Lagos - the city that keeps on growing
Nigeria's unity was "not negotiable", he added. The president's deputy, Yemi Osinbajo, has been in charge during his leave.
Speaking two days after his return, Mr Buhari said that comments around the dissolution of Nigeria had "crossed national red lines".
"Nigeria's unity is settled and not negotiable," he said. "We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble."
The president also made reference to ethnic violence in the country, blaming "political mischief-makers".The president also made reference to ethnic violence in the country, blaming "political mischief-makers".
Ethnic tensions - with some calling for a separate state in the south-east known as Biafra - surfaced during his leave, while the war against the Islamist militant group Boko Haram continued in parts of the north.Ethnic tensions - with some calling for a separate state in the south-east known as Biafra - surfaced during his leave, while the war against the Islamist militant group Boko Haram continued in parts of the north.
Calls for Biafran independence 50 years onCalls for Biafran independence 50 years on
Buhari's unhealthy start to 2017 Stephanie Hegarty, BBC News, Lagos
Nigerians were hoping to find out just what's wrong with the president - to get some clarity on the mystery illness that had him absent from his job.
But it seems the presidency intends to keep Mr Buhari's condition a secret.
They may have trouble convincing the public to believe the line they've been touting for months that the president is "hale and hearty". He was visibly thin and frail as he greeted politicians on Saturday.
He has made some sort of recovery - in his last public appearance before he left in May, when he greeted the 82 released Chibok girls, he was barely able to stand.
On Monday, the president was eager to show that he is ready to take the reins again.
But the address will fail to answer the question on many people's minds - does this ailing 74-year old man have the energy to lead?
Back when Mr Buhari first went to London - in June 2016 - his office said it was for a persistent ear infection.
An official statement released in March 2017 - following a longer spell away - said that the president ad been on "vacation, during which he had medical check-ups".
His main opponents in Nigeria's 2015 election had claimed he had prostate cancer - which he denied.
Buhari's unhealthy year
19 January: Leaves for UK on "medical vacation"19 January: Leaves for UK on "medical vacation"
5 February: Asks parliament to extend medical leave5 February: Asks parliament to extend medical leave
10 March: Returns home but does not resume work immediately10 March: Returns home but does not resume work immediately
7 May: Travels to UK for further treatment7 May: Travels to UK for further treatment
6 June: Buhari's wife says he is "recuperating fast"6 June: Buhari's wife says he is "recuperating fast"
19 August: Buhari returns to Nigeria19 August: Buhari returns to Nigeria