Those who called me Jubril of Sudan are mischievous – Buhari

Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari has described those who spread the rumour of him being replaced with a Jubril Aminu from Sudan as mischievous.

He spoke at a get-together by family and associates to mark his 80th birthday, which was held in the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday night.

It could be recalled, in the aftermath of President Buhari’s prolonged hospitalisation in London, it was claimed that he died in the process of being treated and was replaced by a body double.

He left the country for treatment in London in May and returned in August 2017 after 103 days.

President Buhari said he would continue to do his best in service to Nigeria despite criticisms from some quarters that he has not done enough.

At the special birthday event, a documentary was aired on his life from childhood, where he declared that he was not bothered by the claim that he died long ago and is not the real Buhari.

Responding to a question in the documentary on whether the claim affected him, he said he heard the rumour but was not distracted.

President Buhari said: “Yes. People said I am somebody from Sudan. I didn’t bother with the name. Some Nigerians have mischievous ways of explaining themselves.

“No. It’s not funny because those who made those statements, they just want to be cheeky. They want to distract attention from the main issue.

“Our main issue is to do the infrastructure, make people aware that they need to work hard to live well; they just enjoy life without earning the respect of their community and so on.”

On what he will miss the most after leaving office in May next year, the President simply said “nothing much”.

“I wonder if I am going to miss much. I think I’m being harassed.

“I believe I’m trying my best but still my best is not good enough because there are people around that think that they can intimidate me to get what they want, instead of going through certain systems to earn whatever they want to earn and they are same people who want to be clever by half,” he said.

While proposing a toast for the celebrant, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described the Nigerian leader as a forthright, good and kind man, as well as an exemplary leader.

He praised President Buhari for leading the nation with great courage, determination and commitment.

“I invite your excellences, ladies and gentlemen, to join me in proposing this toast to an exemplary leader, a forthright and honest man, a good and kind man, and a man who has led this country with great courage, determination and commitment for so many years.

“We pray that the almighty God will preserve his life for very many years to come and that he will live all of these many years in good health, peace, joy and with the love of all of our country men,” he said.

Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who also graced the occasion, thanked President Buhari for sacrificing a lot for the progress of Nigeria.

“You have been at the helm of the affairs of this country at a critical time. We have seen a life of commitment, dedication, patriotism and honesty. Mr President, you have done well for your country. Our nation has seen the difference, the leadership that you demonstrate,” he said.

He said President Buhari belongs to the class of leaders who came and served their country with commitment, dedication patriotism and honesty.

He likened him to leaders like Charles De Gaulle of France, Franklin Roosevelt of the United States of America (USA) and Winston Churchill of the Great Britain.

Tinubu, accompany by his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima, said: “The leadership you have demonstrated reminded me of the speech you gave at the Primary Convention when you won the nomination.

“You thanked the people with all humility and said even if you had the money, you would not have paid, but that is because they know who you are, a man of integrity, great commitment, transparent and a exceptional humility.”

Tinubu prayed that “God will continue spare you to see the history as you want it for the country, the ship of this nation will be on the right course. You will live long to enjoy a nice evening of democracy that you brought about.

“When you talk of PVC, card reader, transparency and honesty in the electoral process, like you did, we can only promise not to let you down. Enjoy 80 till you celebrate other birthdays,” he said.