Jonathan on private visit to UK

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday left Abuja for the United Kingdom in what the Presidency described as “a brief private visit.”

Jonathan left the shore of the country shortly after worshipping at Christ Apostolic Church, Area 1, Durumi, Abuja.

According to a three-paragraph statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President was accompanied on the trip by some of his principal staff and personal aides.

Abati did not name the presidential aides.

He however said the President was expected back in the country on Monday.

The statement read, “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan left Abuja on Sunday afternoon for a brief private visit to the United Kingdom.

“The President was accompanied on the trip by some of his principal staff and personal aides.

“He is expected back in Abuja tomorrow (Monday) ahead of official engagements at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday including scheduled audiences with groups from Delta and Lagos States.”

Jonathan had embarked on a similar private visits to Germany in August 2014 and December 2013.

The trip to Germany in August then fueled speculations that the President might have suddenly fallen ill, hence necessitating the journey.