'I know President's health status but won't disclose it', VP says

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has promised not to disclose the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President's letter to the Senate seeking an indefinite extension of his leave, has fuelled fresh speculation and rumours.

Presidential spokespersons have said there is nothing to worry about, stating that the nation's number one citizen is in rude health and fine spirits.

In a chat with State House correspondents shortly after a behind-closed door session with the national chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, Osinbajo said he had spoken with the President earlier, but maintained sealed lips on Buhari's health condition.

Osinbajo said only President Buhari will declare the state of his health at the appropriate time.

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The Vice President said his chat with Buhari dwelt on the protests embarked upon by Nigerians across the country and other matters of national concern.

"The President is hale and hearty. I spoke to him just this afternoon and we had a very long conversation", Osinbajo said.

"He's in good shape and we spoke about the protests and I gave him feedback on other issues.

"Just like he said in the letter to the national assembly, he needs to go through a cycle of tests...results..receive medical advice and we expect him very soon.

"The health status of Mr. President is an issue that only Mr. President will be able to discuss at the appropriate time. Before you determine your health status, you must be able to say this is my status".

There have been insinuations that Osinbajo is being pressured to resign by the cabal within the Presidency.

The VP was quick to debunk those rumours with plenty of laughter.

"I am absolutely under no pressure to resign", Osinbajo said in between laughs when the question was put to him. "In any event, I was voted for by the people of this nation--myself and Mr. President.

"People of this nation have not asked us to resign so the truth is that there has been absolutely no pressure to resign whatsoever from any source".

Osinbajo had assured Nigerians that their voices from the protests had been heard loud and clear.

Speaking to Pulse on the basis of anonymity on Sunday, top ranking Aso Villa officials revealed that Buhari is ill and is yet to fully recover.

Pulse was also told that the President's Doctors advised that he delay his trip back to Nigeria until he's fit enough to cope with the demands of his office as Nigeria's President.

The Presidency said Buhari had postponed his return to Nigeria because he needs to retrieve results of medical tests from his Doctors.

Nigerians have been apprehensive since the postponement of the President's return trip became public knowledge.

Osinbajo has been running the country in Buhari's absence.

Buhari transmitted a letter to Senate President Bukola Saraki seeking a 10-day leave of absence on January 19, 2017.

He was due back on February 6, 2017.

However, that return date has since been overtaken by events.