A United States-based Nigerian Professor of Mass Communication, Farooq Kperogi, has publicly apologised to former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, for a Facebook post, claiming she was divorced from her late husband, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, before he died.
He claimed on his Facebook page last week, alleging that Aisha and Buhari were divorced long ago and “that was why the former First Lady did not go to the London clinic to take care of Buhari when he was sick until some people persuaded her to go.”
However, Kperogi, yesterday, in another post, apologised to Aisha, saying he erred by posting such a story.
He described the post as “one of the worst and cruellest lapses of judgment” he has ever committed.
In his apology statement, Kperogi acknowledged that he should not have shared the information publicly, despite his source insisting it was accurate.
He expressed regret for the hurt caused, stating that the truth of the information is now less significant than the pain it has brought to Mrs. Buhari and those close to her.
The communication, the professor admitted, was an error on his part, violating moral and ethical principles.
He also acknowledged Mrs. Buhari’s authority to define the status of her marriage, respecting her truth as supreme.
Furthermore, Kperogi maintained that he acted without malice or ulterior motives, apologising for the harm caused nonetheless.
BUT the family of the late President Buhari has appreciated the current First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and a wide array of Nigerians and global dignitaries for the overwhelming support shown before, during, and after the passing of the ex-leader.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family, the most senior member, Mamman Daura, conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in the burial rites and offered prayers for the repose of Buhari’s soul.
“It is truly comforting to receive such immense support from President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who not only visited us in Daura but also travelled to the United Kingdom during the mourning period,” the statement read.
According to the statement released yesterday by the late President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the family also thanked President Tinubu for his symbolic gestures, particularly the declaration of a national public holiday and the renaming of the University of Maiduguri in honour of the deceased.
