Buhari: My Staff Denied Me My Birthday Wish

President Muhammadu Buhari joked on Monday that his staff had denied him his birthday wish for a quiet day.
“I fixed the return journey from America on the day to avoid the celebration,” the President said.

However, in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the president thanked everyone for the numerous cards and well-wishes he received on his 80th birthday.

“He (Buhari) said, however, in a jocular manner, that his wish for a quiet day had been denied by the staff, adding: “I fixed the return journey from America on the day to avoid the celebration,” according to the statement.

Buhari told Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff, Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, and other personal staff gathered at his residence on Monday morning that a birthday is like any other day.

Commemorating with the president, the Chief of Staff read aloud the card signed by them which states thus: “On behalf of the entire staff of the personal staff and my own self, we say ‘Happy Birthday’ to a worthy leader, father of the nation and our own father.

“Your Excellency was a star at the recently concluded American-African Leaders Summit, receiving recognition from your peers as well as the international community’s leader.

“We are proud of Your Excellency and grateful for the opportunity to serve Your Excellency with respect and abiding loyalty.”

The President read one card after another before ordering everyone back to work: “Back to Work,” he said as he led the way to his office building.

Throughout the office’s working hours, he participated in meetings and other duties.