Presidency Dismisses Claims on Aisha Buhari ‘abandoning’ Presidential Villa because of ‘cabals’

Aisha Halilu is the First Lady of Nigeria and wife of the current President Muhammadu Buhari, who assumed office on 29 May 2015 after defeating the then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. Aisha is a cosmetologist, beauty therapist and author. 

The First Lady, has not been in the country for almost two months since she left Nigeria to perform Hajj in Saudi Arabia, and her long absence has started to generate speculations.

However, the office of the First Lady has explained that Mrs Buhari’s absence in the country has nothing to do with disagreement with anyone in Aso Rock.

This comes as a result of the speculations that the First Lady is unable to take charge of things within the Villa lately.

Aisha’s Spokesman, Suleiman Haruna, debunked the speculations, saying the First Lady has the freedom to travel to wherever she wanted.

Aisha has not returned to the country since the completion of the Hajj. She was said to have jetted out of Saudi Arabia, where she went in company of President Buhari to London at the completion of the religious pilgrimage in August and this has fueled concerns that she deliberately left the country in protest against certain issues.

Speaking to newsmen after the case of Aisha’s absence from the country was raised, her spokesperson, Suleiman Haruna, said, “It’s a free world and people have been speculating about everything in this country and it is allowed.

“She is a free Nigerian and does not work for the government. So, if she decides to stay somewhere in her village for two months or to go somewhere and stay for two months, why should it become a national issue?

“She is a free Nigerian and has absolute freedom to move round for however long she wants.

“I am in shock when I hear all these things. I don’t believe in all these rumours about the President’s wife because they are not true.

“That is why, most times, the office does not bother to react to these speculations.”