The spokesman of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Femi Adesina has stated that he has never had any cause to lie to Nigerians in the course of his duties.
Femi Adesina is the official spokesman of President Muhammadu Buhari
Adesina made the declaration in an exclusive interview with The Point on Thursday, February 26.
He made the comment against the backdrop of the controversy generated by President Buhari’s health status in recent times.
When asked to give a glimpse into the real health situation of the president for the benefit of Nigerians, Adesina said: “Only the President can declare his own health status. Nobody else can, not even his doctors are ethically allowed to do so.”
In response to a question about how he had been able to cope with the knocks that had come his way in the course of his job, especially since his principal’s medical vacation, Adesina said that he had got used to criticisms.
His words: “Knocks are part of the job. No drummer can satisfy all dancers. I am happy, because I have told the truth available to me at any given time. I have never lied to Nigerians, and will never do.”
Speaking on President’s Buhari’s long absence, Adesina said there is no cause for alarm as the government is working effectively in the president’s absence.
“Power was transmitted to the Vice President, who is now the Acting President. Things are running seamlessly,” he said.
On the challenges of his office, Adesina said that it had not been a bed of roses functioning in that capacity, adding that, “The assignment itself is challenging, because you speak for someone, and not for yourself. Therefore, you must ensure that you properly communicate the mind of your principal at all times.
“No regrets. I voluntarily decided to take on the assignment. I left every other thing I was doing. I work well with anybody, no matter the part of the world he or she comes from.”
Recal that on Saturday, February 25, the president called Adesina and all his media aides including the minister of information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
Adesina said the president specifically thanked him for holding out against mischief makers.
Another media aide of the president, Garba Shehu missed the president’s call but received an sms from him.
President Buhari has been in London since January 19. The presidency had first announced that he was there for a 10-day leave. But he has since extended the leave on medical grounds.
