Former presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, has disclosed that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari once rejected a proposed N10 million food budget for the State House during his administration.
The revelation is contained in Shehu’s newly released memoir titled “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience,” launched on Tuesday in Abuja. The book recounts Shehu’s eight-year experience as Buhari’s media adviser, offering rare insights into the inner workings of the Presidency.
According to Shehu, shortly after Buhari assumed office in 2015, officials suggested raising the State House food budget — which covered meals for the President, Vice President, guest houses, and state banquets — to N10 million. Buhari was reportedly taken aback by the amount.
“When they told him N10 million was needed, he screamed and demanded it be reduced,” Shehu wrote. “Look at my table, what do I eat? How much does it cost?” the president reportedly asked.
Shehu described Buhari’s eating habits as modest and healthy, often consisting of traditional staples.
“Most of what he ate were simple, everyday foods commonly consumed by ordinary Nigerians — tuwo, pap, akara, beans, wheat, a lot of salad, poultry, and mutton. He ate healthily,” Shehu noted.
The former spokesperson also recalled an instance when Buhari rejected a plan to purchase five customised Mercedes-Benz vehicles worth N400 million. The procurement had been approved near the end of President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure.
“Shehu recounted that during a briefing, the then Permanent Secretary at the State House, Nebolisa Emodi, informed Buhari about the vehicle purchase. But Buhari reportedly questioned the need, asking, ‘What is wrong with the cars left behind by the former president?’ and concluded, ‘They are all right for my use.’”
According to Shehu, Buhari directed that the purchase be cancelled, instructing Emodi to reduce operational costs and tighten financial controls at the Presidential Villa.
Buhari continued using his predecessor’s vehicles until one broke down on the way to the airport, Shehu added. The president also ordered that all State House expenditures remain within the approved budget, and that the controversial Presidential Intervention Funds be discontinued.
