In a revelation at the unveiling of two books capturing President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, Bola Tinubu asserted that Buhari’s plan to retire to Niger Republic post-presidency is now foiled due to the ongoing border closure.
President Buhari had earlier hinted at seeking rest in Daura, Katsina State, or, if denied, fleeing to Niger.
Tinubu expressed joy in welcoming Buhari to Abuja and commended his dedication to service since joining the army in 1962. The border closure, a response to the July 2023 coup in Niger, prevents the former president’s escape route, according to Tinubu.
The revelation was made during the event themed ‘Working with Buhari (2015–2023).’
Tinubu said, “I particularly thank Femi for using his memoirs to let us into the challenging eight years of the administration and how his principal steered the ship of State.
“President Buhari assumed office at a very difficult period of our national life when the economy was spiralling into recession and Boko Haram had taken over swaths of our territory in North East.
“At a point it appeared even Abuja, the seat of government would fall into the hands of Boko Haram with the bombing of the UN Building, Banex Plaza, Nyanya and other locations within the Federal Capital Territory.
“We cannot easily forget how our armed forces battled the Boko Haram terrorists under the leadership of President Buhari to reclaim our territory and push them to the fringes of Lake Chad where they no longer pose existential threat to our sovereignty.
“Whatever unresolved challenges faced by President Buhari in his eight years, our administration will endeavour to resolve them. As I said during the campaigns, I inherited all his assets and liabilities.
“Our administration will continue to work , from where President Buhari stopped, to make our country better, create a vibrant economy and secure the environment to bring more prosperity to our people.
“I must say the job of securing every inch of our country is yet to be finished. My government will stamp out the remaining vestiges of Boko Haram, Ansaru, banditry and kidnapping gangs. We won’t rest until every agent of darkness is completely rooted out.”