Mallam Garba Shehu, former senior special assistant on media and publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed that the late Nigerian leader turned down lavish gifts, including a diamond-studded wristwatch and a private aircraft.
Speaking during a television interview at the weekend, Shehu said Buhari’s actions were proof of his “steadfast integrity” while in office.
He recalled that a Nigerian fashion designer had gifted Buhari a customised wristwatch with diamonds and the president’s image on it, but the former leader rejected it outright.
Shehu said: “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.
“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.’”
He also narrated how, during Buhari’s official visit to Abu Dhabi in 2016, the Emir of Abu Dhabi offered him a private jet for personal use.
His words: “When we went to the United Arab Emirates in 2016, and in Abu Dhabi, which is the capital, the Emir of Abu Dhabi asked the president, Which aircraft did he want? He offered him an aircraft.
“The president said, If it is for my country? I will accept. But the Emir said, ‘No, it’s for you so that you can also use it after you leave office.’
“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.”
