Presidency recalls journalist sacked over story on Buhari's health

A journalist with the Punch news portal in Nigeria has been recalled to resume his duties at the Aso Rock – the seat of Nigeria’s presidency in Abuja.

Lekan Adetayo was ‘thrown out’ of the presidency by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The reason for the CSO’s action according to the Punch newspaper was because of a story that the journalist filed relating to the health of the president.

FLASH: Punch reporter Lekan Adetayo being led away after expulsion from Aso Villa by CSO to NGRPresident over reports on Buhari's health pic.twitter.com/MTAwnIySkZ

— Sahara Reporters (SaharaReporters) April 24, 2017

But Buhari’s media handlers on Monday evening said they were not informed before the security chief took the action, ‘‘We weren’t consulted in the media office by the CSO before he expelled The Punch reporter. President Buhari is committed to press freedom,’‘ Femi Adesina wrote on Twitter.

Another media aide, Garba Shehu confirmed that necessary clearance had been sought for the return of Lekan. Shehu and Adesina promised to ‘straighten out everything.’

STATEMENT: Special Adviser FemAdesina on report of expulsion of MobilePunch State House reporter: Pres MBuhari committed to press freedom pic.twitter.com/z5a8JU4lsZ

— Presidency Nigeria (NGRPresident) April 24, 2017

Buhari’s health has been the subject of much discussion in Nigeria after the leader flew out of the country to seek medical treatment in the United Kingdom. Whiles the particular medical condition remains unknown, the president has cut down his schedules since returning from London last month.

Last year he went for medical care in London, at the time the presidency disclosed that he was suffering from an ear infection.