Contrary to official claims that President Goodluck Jonathan travelled to Germany on a private visit, the Nigerian leader actually took ill and was flown out for medical care, according to LEADERSHIP.

President Jonathan left for Germany yesterday after performing the closing ceremony of the National Conference on Thursday.

Prior to his departure, presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, had issued a terse statement saying the president would be making a private visit to Germany as from Friday (yesterday)and would be accompanied by some of his principal aides.

“It was gathered that the president, on arrival in Germany, headed for a private hospital for medical check-up,” LEADERSHIP reported.

“It could not however be confirmed if he went to the same hospital he had visited with his wife last year when the first lady faced some health challenges,” the paper said.

It recalled that before Jonathan’s sudden departure for Germany on Thursday, he was billed to host members of the just-concluded National Conference to a dinner at the Presidential Villa, but the programme was cancelled at the dying minute.

“Although no official reason was given for the cancellation, it was gathered that the development was connected with the president’s state of health which required urgent attention,” LEADERSHIP said.

It disclosed that both Abati and Jonathan’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, did not pick or return several calls to their mobile numbers while Abati also did not respond to an e-mail on the issue.

•Photo shows President Jonathan.