Media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina said the President could have punished the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and others if he wanted to for insulting him.
Adesina said this yesterday in an article titled “Buhari At 80: No Malicious Bone In His Body” on his Facebook Page.
He described Buhari as a man with a large heart, adding that some Nigerians openly criticise the President but still sneak into the Presidential Villa to see him.
Part of his statement reads,
This story came to mind as I reflect on President Muhammadu Buhari’s 80th birthday December 17, 2022. This is a man I have served for almost 8 years, and it never ceases to baffle me how large hearted he is, particularly to those who have arrayed themselves against him, and how he responds to them, when they meet.
“Some examples. Perhaps the Governor who has excoriated the President most is Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. Until very recently, when he showed some conciliation, he had accused Buhari of everything under the sun, including attempted murder. If they were rival wives sharing a husband, it couldn’t have been worse.
“But there was the President, simply minding his business, and ignoring the much younger man in Rivers State. He still gave the State everything that was its due.
“Some weeks ago, the President was invited to commission the newly built ultra-modern complex of the Body of Benchers in Abuja. As a member of the organization, Gov Wike was on the receiving line. Face to face with one of his harshest critics. What would the President do? Would he separate his teacup and saucer, and walk by? But no. Buhari shook the Governor warmly. ‘When two enemies shake hands, a suffering soul shoots out of Purgatory,’ wrote someone whose name I can’t readily recall now. But for President Buhari, this man simply has no enemy. Wike is just a Governor of one of the federations units (sic) in the country, and deserves his respect. Amazing!
