More than 48 hours after a shooting incident in which First Lady Aisha Buhari, her children, and security aides featured prominently, the Presidency says the President, Muhammadu Buhari, is fine and was never in danger.
The explanation comes as different sides of the divide continue to spin the story of what transpired, not minding the implication of shots been fired in the official residence of the nation’s chief executive.
But in a statement, Presidential spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu, said: “The Presidency wishes to acknowledge concerns expressed by several members of the public regarding the recent incident among the occupants of the State House which escalation led to the arrest of some staff by the police.
“This is to assure all and everyone that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, is not, and was not at anytime in any form of danger arising, either from deadly infections or the reported incident by security personnel which is currently under investigation.
“This particular incident happened outside the main residence of the President.
“Armed guards and other security personnel assigned to the State House receive the necessary training of especially weapons handling and where they come short, their relevant agencies have their rules and regulations to immediately address them.
“Having authorized the proper investigation to be carried out into this unfortunate incident by the Police, the President has acted in compliance with the rule of law.
“That a minor occurrence is being used by some critics to justify attacks on the government and the person of President Muhammadu Buhari beggars belief.
“In this particular instance, the President says the law should be allowed to take its course.”
The Presidency’s position may not be unconnected with a Twitter post by the First Lady calling for the release of her Aide-de-camp (ADC), Usman Shugaba, and other security aides.