REVEALED; How Buhari rejected diamond watch and private jet gifts from an Emir

REVEALED; How Buhari rejected diamond watch and private jet gifts from an Emir

Former presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, has disclosed that former President Muhammadu Buhari rejected luxurious personal gifts—including a diamond-studded wristwatch and a private jet—during his time in office.

Shehu, who served as Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity between 2015 and 2023, made this known during an interview on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television on Friday.

He recounted two striking moments that, according to him, reflected Buhari’s unwavering integrity: one involving a prominent Nigerian designer, and the other the Emir of Abu Dhabi.

“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,” Shehu said.

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.’”

Shehu also recounted Buhari’s response to an offer of a private aircraft from the Emir of Abu Dhabi during an official visit in 2016.

“When we went to the United Arab Emirates in 2016, and in Abu Dhabi, which is the capital,” Shehu said, “the Emir of Abu Dhabi actually asked the president of UAE, which aircraft did he want? He offered him an aircraft.”

Buhari again declined.

“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.’”

Shehu quoted Buhari’s final response, “I don’t need an aircraft when I leave office. In any case, I can’t maintain it.”

While others might have viewed the offer as practical for Buhari’s return to his hometown of Daura after his tenure, Shehu said Buhari saw things differently.

“So President Buhari’s personal integrity is unimpeachable,” he said. “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 also spoke about the constant pressure from journalists during his years at the Villa.

“You know, the journalists, we’re all trained in this sometimes. Because they like to prick you, they like to pinch you in a way that will remind you that you’re one of us. Don’t think that because you’re in the villa, you are too far from us,” he recalled.