Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has recounted a statement allegedly made by late former President Muhammadu Buhari during their first visit to the Presidential Villa after assuming office in 2015, saying Buhari felt the residence was too removed from the realities experienced by ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, Dalung recalled that shortly after the inauguration of the new administration, members of the government toured the Presidential Villa. According to him, as they were preparing to leave after the tour, Buhari reflected on what he had seen and expressed concern about the environment surrounding the seat of power.
Dalung quoted Buhari as saying, “When we came to take over the Villa in 2015 and were about to leave after looking around, he turned back and remarked that the place did not seem like where Nigeria’s president should live. When I asked him why, he replied that it was too peaceful and disconnected from the country, adding that anyone living there might not fully appreciate what Nigerians are going through.
According to Dalung, the comment highlighted Buhari’s belief that leaders should remain closely connected to the realities and challenges faced by citizens. He added that the remark was made at the very beginning of the administration and remained memorable to those who heard it.
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