President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, dismissed information being peddled by some section of the media, that he has lost control of his government to cabals in Aso Rock.
There had been speculations that the cabals are responsible for the rumoured rift between Buhari and vice president, Yemi Osinbajo.
It was suggested that the break down in relationship between the two led to the sacking of 35 aides of Osinbajo on Thursday, with the media insinuating that Buhari was on a mission to reduce the power and influence of Osinbajo.
However, Garuba Shehu, presidential spokesperson, in a series of tweets on Friday, emphasising that the sackings was aimed at reducing the number of presidential aides.
He said Buhari is in control of his government, warning the media to stop aggregating non-existent powers to certain individuals.
“As may have been noticed by discerning members of the public, a number of political appointees among the few that served in the office of the President were not returned for the Second Term.
“The office of the Vice President, His Excellency Yemi Osinbajo has, in compliance with the directive of the President, equally been shed of a number of such appointees.
“In carrying out these exercises, the overriding objective is to save taxpayer money and deliver needed service to the public.
“As far as the President is concerned, there is no scope for an excuse for administration after getting a huge mandate to run the country for four more years.
“In the light of this, the Presidency wishes to strongly deny rumours of a rift between President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
“The relationship between the two leaders remains excellent and trusting. Together, they will script a glorious future for the nation.
“The media reports of a soured relationship are originating from the minds and mouths of mischief makers, who are desperate for entertaining stories from the Aso Rock Villa with which to titillate the public.
“This ulterior motive is the basis of the wrong interpretation given to the recent exercise in the Presidency.
“There has been a streamlining of staff going on for a while. The President has always had fewer staff than the Vice President, and there were always plans to reduce the number of staff at the Villa.
“The streamlining was not personal or targeted to undermine the Vice President’s office, as the so-called insider sources quoted by the media appear to make it seem.
“The President is in absolute control of his government. The media should stop attributing non-existent powers to some people. There cannot be anyone too powerful for President Buhari to control,” Garuba tweeted.
Buhari, who is in London on a private visit, is expected to return to Nigeria on November 17.
Discussion about this post