Former presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, has shed light on instances where ex-President Muhammadu Buhari reportedly declined highly extravagant personal gifts, including a customised diamond-studded wristwatch and a private aircraft.
Shehu, who served as Senior Special Assistant to the late president on media and publicity from 2015 to 2023, shared these revelations during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande” yesterday.
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Shehu recounted two specific episodes that, he claims, underscore Buhari’s unwavering commitment to integrity throughout his time in office.
One involved a distinguished Nigerian fashion designer with a global presence, who presented Buhari with a bespoke diamond wristwatch featuring the president’s embossed image.
According to Shehu, Buhari unequivocally rejected the opulent gift.
“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.
“But the wristwatch—take it back to him. I can’t use it,” Shehu quoted Buhari as saying, highlighting the former leader’s refusal to accept such a personal luxury item.
Shehu further revealed that Buhari’s adherence to principle extended beyond Nigeria’s borders.
During an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2016, the Emir of Abu Dhabi, effectively the country’s president, made an extraordinary offer.
“The Emir of Abu Dhabi actually asked the president of the UAE, Which aircraft did he want? He offered him an aircraft,” Shehu recalled.
However, Buhari’s acceptance was contingent on the aircraft being for the Nigerian government, not for his personal use.
When clarified that the jet was intended for his private use, even after leaving office, Buhari declined.
“I don’t need an aircraft when I leave the office. In any case, I can’t maintain it,” Shehu quoted Buhari, bringing an end to the generous proposition.
This particular incident, Shehu noted, drew a stark contrast with a recent controversy in the United States involving a similar private jet offer to President Donald Trump from the same UAE.
Shehu emphasised that Buhari’s “personal integrity is unimpeachable,” asserting that as a spokesperson, he never had to contend with “embarrassing stories of your boss being involved in wrongdoing in any way.”
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The former spokesperson’s reflections emerge as he promotes his recently published memoir, “According to the President,” which offers an insider’s perspective on his years serving as Buhari’s official spokesperson and provides guidance for public communicators.
During the television discussion, Shehu also touched upon the persistent pressures he experienced from journalists during his tenure at the Villa, describing their tactics to challenge or provoke him.
