A report on abusidiqu.com has revealed how President Muhammadu Buhari has changed the face of Aso Rock since the advent of his administration.
Unlike in the past where loafers, busy bodies, political heavyweights, businessmen, chieftains of banks and portfolio investors have easy access to the Presidential Villa, the president has reportedly restricted their movements in and out of the state house.
Instead, they now loiter around the corridors of the Senate and House of Representatives to have an idea of what the present administration is up to. This is the first time since 1999 this is said to be happening.
In the past, some businessmen and money bags could influence government policies within minutes after a shuttle to the presidential villa. But all that luxury is gone with Buhari in power. A source said: “To Buhari, any businessman, political heavyweight or money bag visiting the Villa must come to add value and not to diminish or deplete the system.”
Buhari is said to run a tight administration with a code of conduct for his immediate family and aides. His aides are mandated to live above board and keep sealed lips on official secrets, especially crucial policies and itinerary.
Recently, a desperate businessman looking for an oil block had attempted to bribe a brother-in-law to Buhari, Musa Yola, to get access to the president but the in-law paid dearly for it. The dubious transaction was later leaked and Buhari ordered the arrest of his in-law in handcuffs. He subsequently ordered the State Security Service (SSS) to investigate the scam.
Buhari has also listed no go areas for his wife and children in order to avoid them abusing their privilege. When his wife and children went for lesser Hajj (Umrah) a few weeks ago, they travelled on Emirates Airline, a commercial flight and they were reportedly warned not to receive any gift from wealthy Nigerians who usually use the pilgrimage to curry favours.
A top source said: “President Muhammadu Buhari has adopted a strict policy on the use of presidential aircraft in order to save cost. His wife and relations have been restricted to the use of the aircraft in the presidential fleet.
“A situation where the aircraft were used anyhow by some friends, associates of the President during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan can no longer be applicable in this dispensation.
“For example, the Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari and three children travelled for lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia on Emirates Airline instead of using presidential aircraft.
“Buhari is determined to ensure the judicious use of the presidential aircraft to save cost. He is also setting a new template for governance. Do not be surprised if you see the President using commercial flights.”
The president’s wife also reportedly still cooks for him. In a recent event, where she was hosting some children to Eid-el Fitr festival, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, said:“I’m going to leave you soon. I want to go back home to cook for my husband. Because my children are here playing with you, nobody is at home, only my husband. I want to go back home to be with him and also cook dinner for him.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari today, August 4, sought the approval of $75 million credit facilities from the world bank for Edo state.
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