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Buhari Said No to Luxury: Rejected ₦400m Cars and Diamond Wristwatch – Garba Shehu”
Garba Shehu, former Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed that the former Nigerian leader consistently rejected extravagant perks and significantly cut government spending during his time in office.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In his newly released memoir, “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience,” launched on Tuesday in Abuja, Shehu recounted several occasions where Buhari turned down luxury offers, including a ₦400 million proposal for new armoured vehicles and a diamond-encrusted wristwatch.
One such moment came in 2015, during a meeting with executives of a major construction firm managing key federal infrastructure projects. According to Shehu, Buhari used the opportunity to deliver a stern warning against corrupt practices, padded contracts, and kickbacks.
Shehu wrote: “On November 6, 2015, when the company’s board of directors visited him at the State House, the president addressed their reported role in facilitating 10% cuts embedded in contracts for public officials. He made it clear that such practices would no longer be tolerated.”
Buhari reportedly told them: “We are aware that you include percentage cuts in your contracts for government officials. This must stop. We will not accept kickbacks.”
He further accused contractors of offering luxurious incentives—such as building homes, purchasing expensive vehicles, and funding foreign medical treatments for top officials—as part of inflated project costs.
“Nothing you offer is free. Everything is built into the cost of government contracts,” Buhari said. “From now on, we expect transparency. No more padded figures or disguised commissions.”
According to Shehu, Buhari’s tough stance was met with “eerie silence” as none of the executives challenged the president’s remarks.
In another anecdote, Shehu described how Buhari declined a luxury wristwatch gifted by renowned Nigerian-American jeweller Chris Aire. The watch, which bore Buhari’s image and was adorned with diamonds, was returned at Buhari’s instruction. “He appreciated the gesture but insisted it be sent back,” Shehu said.
The book also reveals that Buhari refused to approve the purchase of five new customised Mercedes-Benz S-600 armoured vehicles for his use—estimated at ₦400 million—preferring instead to use the vehicles left by his predecessor, President Goodluck Jonathan.
Shehu wrote that Buhari told the then State House Permanent Secretary, Nebolisa Emodi: “What is wrong with the cars used by the former president? They’re fine for me.”
Buhari continued using the older fleet until one of the cars broke down en route to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Additionally, the memoir highlights Buhari’s frugality in other areas, including his rejection of a proposed increase to the State House catering budget. When told that ₦10 million was already allocated to cater for the Villa, including the Vice President’s residence and official banquets, Buhari was reportedly shocked.
“Look at my table—what do I eat, and how much does it cost?” Buhari allegedly asked, ordering the budget to be cut instead.
Shehu noted that the former president, who preferred simple meals, also directed Emodi to enforce strict financial controls within the State House, and to eliminate reliance on extra-budgetary “Presidential Intervention Funds.”
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
The Presidency has criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership ability and accusing him of failing to manage internal crises within the Labour Party (LP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Monday.
Dare argued that Obi did not found the Labour Party and does not have full control over its structure, adding that his handling of party disputes raises concerns about his leadership capacity.
He further alleged that Obi has shown a pattern of moving between political platforms rather than resolving internal challenges, insisting that he “cannot fix” his own party.
Dare said the Labour Party’s internal crisis had been visible for years and questioned Obi’s level of involvement in resolving it, suggesting that he instead left the party amid the turmoil.
He stated that such leadership qualities should be scrutinised given national responsibilities, adding, “You cannot fix your party.”
The presidential aide also addressed claims linking the Presidency to the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting any involvement and insisting the party’s internal issues were not influenced by the federal government.
He maintained that the ADC situation is already before the courts and should be resolved through judicial processes rather than public agitation or political pressure.
Dare urged all parties involved to respect ongoing legal proceedings, stressing that court decisions would ultimately determine the outcome of the disputes.
He added that the government remains committed to respecting the judiciary and warned against attempts to influence public opinion while cases are still being decided.
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