The Presidency has defended President Muhammadu Buhari’s Private Secretary and nephew, Yusuf Sabiu (aka Tunde), against Nigeria’s First Lady Aisha Buhari in the recent clash that occurred at the Presidential Villa.
Appearing on Channels Television on Monday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said that Yusuf had a compelling reason to leave Abuja for Lagos.
Yusuf had broken the interstate travel restriction rule when he travelled to Lagos to see his family after his wife was delivered of a new baby.
Freelanews had earlier reported the incident of gunshots at the Presidential Villa involving Aisha Buhari, members of her immediate family, her Aide-de-camp, Usman Shugaba and Sabiu Yusuf, a Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Trouble started after Yusuf’s return to the Presidential Villa and allegedly refused to quarantine for fourteen days.
In an attempt to force him into self-isolation, Aisha’s Aide-de-camp, Usman Shugaba, allegedly fired some gunshots, an incident that led to his arrests and other security aides at the scene.
The First Lady on Friday called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, to release her security aides from detention.
The Presidency on Sunday quoted President Buhari as insisting that the law must take its course on the matter.
Garba Shehu explained that people are allowed to travel interstate if they present a compelling reason before security agents.
“The Presidency has not failed. Don’t forget there is a caveat in that protocol. When travels are necessitated, they are permitted and even in the Villa, hardly do you have a day without somebody coming from their state whether they are governors and they come to do official business.
“Therefore, what is not permitted is frivolous and unwarranted travel. When it is warranted, the people can offer themselves at the checkpoints and once the explanations they give are convincing, they are allowed to proceed. I think this happens all over the country.
“We follow what the NCDC and Ministry of Health prescribe. The difference the Villa makes is that there is an eye on everyone,” he said.
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