FG finally reacts to call to reveal Buhari’s medical expenses in London

- The federal government has said that it will not release the president's medical expenses

- Lai Mohammed said this was on the basis of national security

The federal government has responded to call from Nigerians to release the medical expenses of President Muhammadu Buhari during his medical vacation in the UK.

The president spent 51 days in the UK on an extended medical vacation although he duly handed over to the vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

READ ALSO: Why Buhari wants Magu as EFCC chairman - Hon Nwuke

The Punch reports that the minister of information, Mr Lai Mohammed responded to the request after the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, March 29 saying this information would not be released.

The minister said this refusal was on the basis of national security and morals.

He said the Freedom Of Information (FOI) act excluded some situations especially those bordering on national security.

He said: “This matter (the President’s medical bill) has come several times and our position on the matter is quite straight forward.

“What are the President’s conditions of service? What are his entitlements in terms of his well-being and health care? The state is supposed to take responsibility for these.

“We believe that asking for how much has been spent on the health of the President is an issue that we should weigh very well both for national security and also for moral issues. I don’t know why we must divulge such very sensitive information.

READ ALSO: 6 ships arrive with petrol and other commodities as naira sustains growth

“I might be wrong but I don’t have experience else where that the President of any country will be ill and be forced to disclose how much the state has spent on his health.

“Yes, there is Freedom of Information Act but it is also carved in such a way that when such information is likely to endanger national security, I think it is an area that is not covered.”