Former presidential spokesman Garba Shehu has dismissed claims of a “cabal” controlling the government of his former principal, Muhammadu Buhari, asserting that such notions are “sheer nonsense.”
He maintained that all final decisions rested with former President Buhari.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program on Friday, Shehu stated, “This thing about cabals is sheer nonsense, let me tell you, Buhari is a military general, even when he becomes a converted democrat.”
Read Also: How Buhari Harassed My Key Officials – Jonathan
Rumors of a powerful inner circle dominating Buhari’s administration were widespread, with figures like former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung even claiming Buhari had become a stranger in his own government.
Dalung had described Buhari’s alleged “cabals” as uninformed and inexperienced.
Shehu, however, insisted that Buhari was a leader who gave orders, rather than taking them. “I can tell you that I know not one person who can give you 100% assurance that I tell Buhari ABC is black, he will say ABC is black. No, he had his own mind.”
He acknowledged that a president receives advice but emphasized, “the box stopped on his table.”
Read Also: Why Buhari Was Seen As A Slow President – Garba Shehu
Contrary to public perception, Shehu also asserted that the former president was highly aware of key national issues.
“I will say with all emphasis, that Buhari will be assessed if it can be done, perhaps as the most aware president this country has had,” he claimed.
He added that Buhari’s non-interference in how ministers managed their ministries was often misinterpreted as disinterest. “Buhari was not meddlesome, he never pretended like he owned Nigeria. He wasn’t a dictator,” Shehu stated.
When questioned about Buhari’s role in President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 election, Shehu firmly denied any direct influence. “Someone must have seen that in their dream, it didn’t happen,” he said, recounting, “I sat with President Bola Tinubu after his victory and he told me that President Buhari allowed me to win in a free and fair election.”
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
