Aisha Buhari denies reports linking her to abuse of privileges

The First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has described as baseless and mischievous, a report by an online platform linking her with allegations of abuse of privileges at the Nigerian High Commission in London.

Mrs. Buhari, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Adebisi Olumide-Ajayi, in Abuja yesterday, said it was not in the interest of Mrs. Buhari to join issues with anyone, but was necessary†to put the record in proper perspective.

The statement insisted that the First Lady never travelled to London with a large entourage, as portrayed in the report, saying the highest number of people on her trip were her three children, ADC and her personal physician, noting that the State House in Abuja caters for her meal when necessary, adding that other healthy food or variety needed by her children are her personal responsibility.

This is necessary as it concerns her trip to UK (United Kingdom) and the Nigerian High Commission in London. Mrs. Buhari had never traveled with a large entourage to London, as reported.

The Nigerian High Commission in London had never offered any favour, either in cash or material to Mrs.†Buhari.She added: ìMrs. 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, negates the fundamental principles upon which the Buhariís 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 acts by the High Commission, because of the understanding, as clearly spelt out and practised 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.Mrs. Buhari had always advocated for good governance, where government officials were responsive and appalling to their constituents,î the statement added.

She, however, said it was unfortunate to believe that she would collaborate with any government official at home or abroad to shortchange Nigerians.The First Lady, therefore, challenged the publishers 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.