Buhari: I fixed return journey from US on 80th birthday to avoid celebration

President Muhammadu Buhari says he has been denied his wish for a quiet day on his birthday by the staff.

The President jocularly noter that: “I fixed the return journey from America on the day to avoid the celebration.”

The President said this on Monday while addressing Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the Chief of Staff, Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and a handful of other personal staff who gathered at the residence in the morning to make his birthday an occasion to remember.

Buhari, who expressed appreciation for the many cards and well-wishes he received for his 80th birthday, said a birthday was no more than just another day in the office.

The tribute read loud on behalf of the personal staff by Gambari read: “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.

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“Your Excellency was a star at the recently-concluded American-African Leaders Summit- recognition by your own peers and the leader of the international community.

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

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement, said President Buhari waded across the room, reading one card after the other and thereafter ordered everyone back to office. “Back to work,” he said, as he led the way to his office building.

He said the President participated in meetings and other duties throughout the working hours in the office.