Former presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, has disclosed that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari declined luxurious personal gifts during his tenure, including a private jet offered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2016.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, Shehu shared personal experiences that underscored Buhari’s austere values and integrity.
Among the examples he cited was a custom-made, diamond-studded wristwatch gifted by a globally renowned Nigerian fashion designer.
The former president rejected the wristwatch that featured his image. He praised the designer’s creativity but insisted he could not accept or wear such an extravagant item.
The ex-spokesman said, “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 an official trip to the UAE in 2016, during which the Emir of Abu Dhabi offered Buhari a private aircraft for personal use. Buhari turned it down after learning the gift was not intended for the Nigerian state but for him personally.
He said, “ When we went to the United Arab Emirates in 2016, and in Abu Dhabi, which is the capital. The Emir of Abu Dhabi actually asked the president of UAE, 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 personally, so that you can also use after you leave office.”
According to Shehu, the rejection reflected Buhari’s consistent refusal to indulge in personal luxuries, even when offered by powerful figures.
He noted that while others might have viewed such a gift as a practical tool for post-office life, Buhari remained firm in his belief that public service should not be a channel for personal enrichment.
Garba Shehu, who served as Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity from 2015 to 2023, described Buhari’s conduct as a model of moral leadership.
He also spoke on his challenges as a presidential spokesperson, especially navigating the expectations and provocations of journalists, while maintaining a strong ethical line on behalf of a president whose reputation remained “unblemished by scandal.”
