- President was Joking Says Garba Shehu
By Charles Adingupu
President Muhammadu Buhari’s comment that he will retire to Niger if he can’t find peace in Nigeria after his tenure has elicited strong criticism from Nigerians.
The President has said in passing that he intends to go back to his farm in Daura after May 29 but if Nigerians continue to pester his life then he would relocate to Niger where he was sure to receive warm welcome.
Although the statement was meant to be a joke, Nigerians were not amused and have taken to social media to castigate the President, calling him “ungrateful” and questioning his loyalty. They said for a man who was privileged to serve his full terms of 8 years as President of Nigeria, Buhari needed to show more gratitude.
Nigerians have always queried Buhari’s special relationship with Niger which came to head when the President gave the contract for the construction of a rail line from Nigeria to Niger against prevalent logic.
Reacting to the bitter comments by people on social media, Presidential aide, Mr. Garba Shehu said on Thursday in a Channels TV programme, Sunrise Daily that Nigerians should get used to President Muhammadu Buhari’s sense of humour.
He dismissed the insinuations that Buhari is not loyal to Nigeria.
“That is absolutely not the case. He has a way of throwing banters, a form of easing tension around himself,” he said.
“Even after eight years, Nigerians must get used to the President’s sense of humour,” he added.
“This thing about going to the Niger Republic, Nigerians are taking it too seriously.”
He said Buhari’s comment is meant to illustrate the cordial relationship between Nigeria and neighbouring nations and not a sign of disloyalty to Nigeria.
“If you are a Nigerien, you would probably feel good about seeing a president that cares,” the presidential aide said.
Garba Shehu said that President Buhari has done well for Nigeria, and deserves to rest after eight years as the country’s leader.
