Ime Akpan
President Bola Tinubu has given the reason former President Muhammadu Buhari had stayed put in Daura, Katsina State and could not relocate to Niger Republic as he promised last year.
Recall that before leaving office on May 29, 2023, Buhari said Niger Republic would be a safe haven for him should Nigerians give him problems.
“So it is very good that I established a relationship with my neighbours. And I try to plan to be as far away from Abuja as possible.
“Thank goodness, I come from an area which is far away from Abuja. I said if anybody forces me, I have a good relationship with my neighbours, Niger people will defend me,” he said on May 23, 2023.
Speaking at a book lunch attended by Buhari yesterday in Abuja, Tinubu said the former president was unable to move to Niger Republic because of the closure of the border between that country and Nigeria after the coup that ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum.
“When President Buhari was leaving office he said he would retire to Daura, far away from Abuja to enjoy his well-deserved retirement from public service.
“I remember he added that if his supporters and friends deny him of enough rest in Daura, he would run to the Republic of Niger. Well, as you all know, he can no longer escape to Niger Republic because of the border closure.
“I am therefore extremely happy to receive him here in Abuja. We are all here today to honour a great man, a patriot, a dedicated public servant who offered his best in the service of our country,” he said.
Thereafter, he eulogized Buhari whom he said partnered with him “to make democracy flourish in Nigeria,” adding that the former president had not interfered in his administration since he left office.
President Muhammadu Buhari, thank you. Except when I call you to say how are you living, how are you in the farm, we don’t hear from you either to nominate or intrude the cabinet or complain about anything. Thank you for being who you are…
“When you left the office, you left many battles and a bunch of tasks for me for continuity. And I told people I inherited the asset and liability of my predecessor no matter what you say.
“We always joke sometimes, and you say you can never please Nigerians but yours is to focus, work hard and satisfy your conscience. You have done that. It is reflected.
“You serve our country with dedication and uncommon zeal. I was talking to somebody last night that I will be at this book launch and he said oh, I remember you sold to us Buhari. And I said, stop where you are, I’m not talking to you about a disclaimer. I’m talking to you about a programme that I really appreciated and will continue to appreciate.
“Being here face to face with you is a great documentation of history, candor, integrity and character,” the president said.
Commenting on the book entitled ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media, and Publicity (2015-2023)’ written former presidential spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, the president said the author had done justice to the “essential Muhammadu Buhari, especially on his tenure and legacy as the 15th President of Nigeria.”
The event was attended by former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje; and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Also in attendance were the Inspector of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, former minister of labour, employment and productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige; former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Alhaji Mohammed Indimi; former minister of the FCT, Mallam Mohammad Sani Bello; former minister of aviation Hadi Sirika; former minister of information, culture and national orientation, Lai Mohammed; minister of solid minerals development, Dele Alake; minister of steel development, Prince Sanusi Audu, former minister of works and housing, Raji Fashola, governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Dikko Radda of Katsina State.
