Mrs Buhari Says Claims of Abuse of Privileges Baseless

By Dipo Olowookere

Allegations of abuse of privileges at the Nigerian High Commission in London levelled against wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has been described as baseless and mischievous.

The claims were made in a report posted by Sahara Reporters.

The report alleged that Mrs Buhari, Abba Kyari and others used their position to get favours, especially monetary, from Nigeria’s High Commission in London.

Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by her Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Adebisi Olumide-Ajayi, the President’s wife stressed that “the Nigerian High Commission in London had never offered any favour either in cash or material to” her.

She challenged Sahara Reporters and any other embassy staff to provide concrete evidence to contradict her for the sake of Nigerians, who deserve to know the truth at all times.

The statement noted that, “Mrs Buhari would have ignore the publication like all such baseless accusations, but for the angle with which the report was presented has a corruption and abuse of privileges connotation.

“This, however, negate the fundamental principles upon which Buhari’s administration thrives.”

“It is on record that the Nigerian High Commission in London did not receive Aisha Buhari at the Airport with any official distinction or privilege as it was accorded other first ladies before her.

“She never complained or raised dust about any of these act by the High Commission because of the understanding as clearly spelt out and practiced by her husband.

“That public office must be separated from the private lives of the occupants.

“Even her drivers are privately arranged without any recourse to embassy for staff,” the statement said.