President Bola Tinubu has ridiculed former President Muhammadu Buhari’s plan to retire to Niger, stressing that border closure prevents such an escape.
Tinubu made this statement at the unveiling of two books, ‘Working with Buhari (2015–2023)’ and ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy—2015–2023 (Vols. 1–5)’ in Abuja.
He highlighted that with the border closure, Buhari cannot escape to Niger, referencing the former president’s earlier statement about considering Niger if denied enough rest in Daura.
It would be recalled that that Buhari had said he would leave for the Niger Republic after his official handover as president if he was not able to get enough rest in Daura, his home town in Katsina State.
But after the coup in Niger on July 26, 2023, Nigeria implemented sanctions, such as border closure, against the military junta in the neighboring country.
These measures were taken as an effort to facilitate the restoration of democracy; however, the regime remained resistant to the imposed pressure.
The President expressed delight in receiving Buhari in Abuja and commended him for his service to the country since joining the army in 1962.
“When President Buhari was leaving office he said he would retire to Daura, far away from Abuja to enjoy his well-deserved retirement from public service.
“I remember he added that if his supporters and friends deny him of enough rest in Daura, he would run to the Republic of Niger. Well, as you all know, he can no longer escape to Niger Republic because of the border closure.
“I am therefore extremely happy to receive him here in Abuja. We are all here today to honour a great man, a patriot, a dedicated public servant who offered his best in the service of our country since he joined the army in 1962 at age 18,” he said.
Tinubu further expressed his happiness to receive Buhari in Abuja and commended Femi Adesina, the book’s author, for providing insights into the challenges faced during Buhari’s administration.
He also pledged to address unresolved issues from Buhari’s term and continue efforts to improve the country’s economy and security.
