No to Bling! Buhari Declined Lavish Jet, Diamond Gift Offers – Ex-Aide Garba Shehu Reveals

Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, reportedly declined two extravagant gifts while in office — a diamond-encrusted wristwatch and a private aircraft — according to his former media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Shehu, who served as Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity from 2015 to 2023, made the disclosure during an interview on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, aired Friday on Channels Television.

The Rejected Diamond Wristwatch

During the interview, Shehu narrated how a renowned Nigerian fashion designer, captivated by Buhari’s personality, crafted a luxury wristwatch studded with diamonds and engraved with the president’s portrait. The gift, intended as a token of admiration, was politely turned down.

“Upon seeing the watch, President Buhari said, ‘Diamond wristwatch? I can’t wear this,’” Shehu recounted. “He asked me to return it with a message: ‘You’re doing great and representing Nigeria well, but I won’t use the watch. Please take it back.’”

The incident, Shehu said, solidified Buhari’s image among his aides and associates as a leader who sincerely avoided lavish displays.

Turning Down a Private Jet in Abu Dhabi

Shehu also revealed that in 2016, during a state visit to the United Arab Emirates, the Emir of Abu Dhabi offered Buhari a private jet for personal use. However, Buhari reportedly rejected the offer upon realizing it was meant for him personally and not for Nigeria.

“The President replied, ‘If it’s for my country, I’ll accept. But if it’s for me, I won’t take it,’” Shehu said. “He added, ‘I won’t need a jet when I leave office, and I certainly can’t afford to maintain it.’ That ended the matter.”

Although some saw the gesture as practical — given Buhari’s retirement to the remote town of Daura — he simply wasn’t interested in personal luxury.

“He Lived What He Preached” – Shehu

Shehu reflected that one of the most reassuring aspects of working with Buhari was knowing there would never be scandals linked to greed or corruption.

“As his spokesman, you were confident there’d be no shameful headlines about misconduct. He didn’t just advocate for integrity — he embodied it,” Shehu noted.

He also described his dealings with the press as a balance of mutual respect and challenge, adding that journalists often tried to catch him off guard for sensational quotes.

Shehu’s appearance coincides with the release of his memoir, According to the President, offering insider accounts of Buhari’s presidency and guidance for future government spokespersons navigating power and the media.

As debates continue over Buhari’s legacy, Shehu’s stories provide a glimpse into the private principles that, he claims, shaped the former president’s public conduct.

Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, in London after a prolonged illness. He was buried in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, with dignitaries from across the country and abroad in attendance. He served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 and previously as a military Head of State between 1983 and 1985.