Akinwande Soji-Ojo
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said his wish for a quiet day had been denied by the staff, explaining that he fixed the return journey from America on his birthday to avoid the celebration.
Buhari, according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, stated this while addressing Prof. 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 his residence to celebrate with him.
The president, 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 card signed and read aloud on behalf of the personal staff by Gambari partly read:“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.H
“We are proud of Your Excellency and grateful for the opportunity to serve Your Excellency with respect and abiding loyalty.”
The statement said 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 added that the President participated in meetings and other duties throughout the working hours in the office.
