Garba Shehu

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Garba Shehu, the spokesperson for former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, defended the administration’s record while addressing ongoing criticism in a statement released on Wednesday. 

Shehu acknowledged that while the Buhari government may have made some decisions that were questioned, he emphasised that the former president’s intentions were always aimed at achieving positive change. 

Shehu pointed out that the administration took several significant steps to combat corruption during its eight years in power.

Notable initiatives included the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPS).

These measures were aimed at improving transparency and financial accountability within the government. Despite these accomplishments, Shehu acknowledged that the Buhari government faced criticism from various quarters.

He stated, “There has not been a single area that had not been touched by the Buhari government. We have seen massive positive changes in the last eight years.”

However, he compared critics to individuals pretending to be asleep, implying that they were resistant to acknowledging the government’s achievements. 

Shehu also addressed allegations of corruption within the administration, asserting that those who criticized the government were often motivated by resentment over lost opportunities.

He made a specific reference to a Buhari “critic” who had served as a military governor in a northern state, suggesting that even his underwear had been procured using government funds. 

The statement further highlighted the administration’s stance on curbing wasteful spending and emphasised that President Buhari had declared that “no more free money.”

Shehu argued that money allocated to National Security Agencies was intended for security purposes and should not be misappropriated. 

Shehu concluded that President Buhari had fulfilled his part and would be judged by history. He expressed confidence that history would judge the former President fairly.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Garba Shehu, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, has issued a statement on General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s health.

Remember that Abdulsalami was reportedly transported out of Nigeria for medical treatment, according to some media sources.

The retired Army General was reported to have suffered a minor stroke before being airlifted to a hospital in the United Kingdom (UK).

Shehu verified Abubakar’s release from the hospital in a tweet on Monday, stating that there was no need to be concerned.

“Alhamdu Lillahi for Allah’s mercy.

“I just ended a visit to His Excellency Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Head of State.

“He is out of hospital in a London apartment and apparently in no serious condition.

“He was his jovial self, maintaining a keen interest in developments back at home in Nigeria. Please, no cause for alarm.”

Abdulsalami was the Head of State in 1999, during which he conducted an election that brought the democratically civilian government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to power.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

President Muhammadu Buhari sets to attend the second-term inauguration of his Gambian counterpart, Adama Barrow, on Wednesday.

In a statement by the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, Buhari will be hosted by the Gambian President alongside other African leaders as a Special Guest of Honour at the Independence Stadium, Bakau.

Garba Shehu noted that Buhari played a major role in the return of Gambia to democracy in 2017.

Part of the statement reads, “President Buhari along with other ECOWAS leaders, played a leading role in the restoration of democratic rule in The Gambia in 2017 after former President, Yahya Jammeh, refused to surrender power after losing the election.”

He added that the president is expected to be back to Nigeria at the end of the inauguration ceremonies.

By Muhammad Sabiu