‘Sick’ Tillerson Keeps Itinerary Brief In Nigeria

Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is expected to keep his itinerary brief in Nigeria following reports of his being unwell.

Tillerson had cancelled most of his schedule in Kenya on Saturday due to illness.

Tillerson arrived in Nairobi on Friday as part of a five-nation tour of Africa that includes Ethiopia, Chad, Nigeria and Djibouti.

“The Secretary is feeling better and will resume his normal schedule tomorrow (Sunday),” Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Steve Goldstein told the pool reporters traveling with the secretary.

He had been feeling unwell after long days working on major issues such as North Korea, Goldstein said earlier.

In a schedule released by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, the Secretary is expected to arrive the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 2:50pm will be received by the Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Lolo Bulus.

In an advisory by the embassy, the visiting Secretary will have a brief photo spray but will take no questions.

“A camera spray will also take place upon the Secretary’s arrival at the Villa. There will be no Q&A and only an official photographer will be allowed to take some photos of the meeting between the Secretary and President Buhari.

“The press availability will take place in the press gallery at the Villa following the Secretary’s meeting with President Buhari. It will commence at 16:00. Secretary Tillerson will be joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama. Both will make brief remarks before taking a few questions. Accredited members of the press are asked to arrive at least two hours before the start of the press availability to go through the clearance procedure.

“Following the press availability, the Secretary will depart the Villa. The final press opportunity will take place at the airport, where a camera spray will be permitted. The Secretary is expected to arrive at the airport at approximately 19:15.”