Former presidential spokesperson Mallam Garba Shehu has revealed that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari declined offers of lavish personal gifts, including a diamond-studded wristwatch and a private aircraft.
Shehu, who served as Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity from 2015 to 2023, shared these insights during an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Friday.
He cited two specific instances—one involving a prominent Nigerian designer and another with the Emir of Abu Dhabi in the UAE—as examples of Buhari’s unwavering integrity throughout his presidency.
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According to Shehu, there was an offer of “a diamond wristwatch from a Nigerian fashion designer, who is successful on the global stage. And the guy, fascinated by President Muhammadu Buhari, crafted this wristwatch studded with diamonds. Customised, with the picture of the president embossed on it. And he brought it.”
However, Buhari flatly rejected the gift, Shehu disclosed.
“The president looked at it, and he said, ‘Diamond wristwatch? I can’t wear this. Please tell this young Nigerian that he’s doing well for himself. He’s also a good ambassador of the country. We’ll continue to encourage him. Let him please continue to promote the image, the name of this country in his trade. But the wristwatch—take it back to him. I can’t use it.”
Shehu continued by observing that Buhari’s adherence to principles wasn’t limited to Nigeria.
He recalled an instance during an official visit to the UAE in 2016, where the Emir of Abu Dhabi, who also serves as the country’s president, made an unexpectedly generous offer.
“When we went to the United Arab Emirates in 2016, and in Abu Dhabi, which is the capital,” Shehu recalled, “the Emir of Abu Dhabi actually asked the president of UAE, which aircraft did he want? He offered him an aircraft.”
Buhari also refused the gift upon learning it was meant for his personal use and not for the Nigerian government.
“The president said, if it is for my country? I will accept. But the Emir said, “No, it’s for you personally, so that you can also use after you leave office.”
It’s worth noting that a similar incident recently created controversy in the United States, involving a proposed offer to President Donald Trump.
Trump had indicated a willingness to accept a private jet from the same UAE (United Arab Emirates), which sparked significant debate.
However, according to Shehu, Buhari said, “I don’t need an aircraft when I leave office. In any case, I can’t maintain it.’ And that ended the story.”
Shehu further noted that while some might have viewed the offer as a convenient way for Buhari to return to his hometown of Daura after his presidency, the former president himself did not perceive it that way.
“So President Buhari’s personal integrity is unimpeachable. As a spokesperson for that leader, you were comfortable with one thing. You were never going to be greeted by embarrassing stories of your boss being involved in wrongdoing in any way,” Shehu observed in delight.
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