Former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu has revealed how late President Muhammadu Buhari ignored his doctor’s advice to attend a commissioning event in Kaduna State, demonstrating his commitment to honoring promises made to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking in an interview with Channels TV from 16:20, Shehu described how the late president consistently prioritized official duties despite physical discomfort and medical restrictions. “You find out that in most instances, even against the pain that he endured, he attended events,” he stated.
The former spokesperson recounted a specific incident that occurred shortly after Buhari’s first medical trip abroad in 2016, when the president insisted on traveling to Kaduna despite explicit medical advice against it. “For instance, you know 2 to 3 days after he returned from that first medical outing in 2016, and he went to Kaduna at the invitation of Governor Nasir to commission a farm near Kaduna, against the advice of doctor. Because the doctor said Buhari must not travel, and he said, ‘I gave my commitment to Nasir, I will go.’ And he went to Kaduna and did the event and came back,” Shehu revealed.
The late President’s aide also recounted an events surrounding the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony, which occurred just days after concerns about the President’s health. He described how everyone, including medical personnel, was apprehensive about whether the President would be able to endure the demanding ceremonial requirements.
He explained that there were suggestions to minimize the ceremonies to reduce the physical strain on the President, allowing for a quicker conclusion to the event. However, contrary to these concerns, the President demonstrated remarkable endurance throughout the entire ceremony.
According to him, Buhari stood for the complete duration of the event, which included receiving salutes, artillery fire, and gunshots. He participated in all ceremonial aspects, including the orderly procession where service chiefs, National Assembly leaders, and the Vice President each laid wreaths individually rather than in a crowded manner.
He noted that the late President also participated in the release of pigeons and signing ceremonies before walking home independently. During the subsequent national honors ceremony, Buhari again stood for three hours without requiring a chair for support.
He attributed this exceptional stamina to Buhari’s military training, describing it as an uncommon level of physical endurance that distinguished his performance during these demanding state functions.
