Nigeria, Aug. 18 -- The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has returned to Nigeria after what his office described as a short vacation in London.

Mr Akpabio, who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 4 a.m. on Monday, was received at the Presidential Wing by senators, aides, and supporters.

His media office said his return "put an end to speculation that the Senate President was critically ill and admitted in a London hospital."

The speculation followed his absence after attending the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, from 29 to 31 July, after which he proceeded to London.

Speaking with journalists on arrival, Mr Akpabio promised Nigerians "robust legisla...