Former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung has recalled a remark made by late former President Muhammadu Buhari when they first visited the Presidential Villa after taking over government in 2015, saying the former leader believed the residence was too detached from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking during an interview on Mic On Podcast, Dalung recounted events that unfolded shortly after the inauguration of the Buhari administration, explaining that they toured the Presidential Villa before preparing to leave and reflecting on the impression the residence left on the former president.
“I want to remind you what Buhari said when we went to take over the villa in 2015. After going around and we were about to leave, Buhari looked back and said, “This place does not look like where the president of Nigeria should live.” And I said, “Why?” He said, “It’s too serene and isolated from Nigeria because anybody living here might not believe what is happening in Nigeria.””
Dalung said the late former president’s observation reflected his concern about the need for leaders to remain connected to the daily experiences and challenges confronting citizens across the country, adding that the comment was made at the beginning of the administration and left a lasting impression on those present.
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