Attahiru’s funeral absence: Buhari dislikes road closure when he’s out – Garba Shehu

President Muhammadu Buhari did not attend the funeral of Ibrahim Attahiru, the deceased Chief of Army Staff, and ten other military commanders who died in an airplane crash, according to the presidency.

Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, said the president dislikes “the idea of closing roads, security guys abusing people on the road” anytime he goes outside Aso Rock for an event.

When Attahiru and the army commanders, including three generals, were laid to rest in Abuja a day after their deaths, Buhari, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was absent.

Many Nigerians criticized his absence, accusing him of lacking empathy and calling his administration “the most reckless government in the country’s history.”

Some speculated that it would harm the morale of Nigerian army forces, particularly frontline soldiers.

When asked about the topic on Tuesday during an Arise TV show, Shehu indicated that though he has not spoken with Buhari about it, the president’s aversion for road closures could be the cause for his move.

“I was in Europe on assignment and have not spoken to the president about this,” he continued, “but let me give you one example: the president is someone who is very worried about the safety and well-being of ordinary Nigerians on the streets.

“Are you aware of why he now prays his Jumaat in the state house rather than the national mosque? Because he doesn’t like the notion of closing roads and molesting people on the road in order for the president to have the right of way, security guys are molesting people on the road.

“These may seem insignificant to many people, but they are critical to President Muhammadu Buhari. So, it’s a time of sadness, and the president didn’t want to detract from that.”

The president contacted Fati, Attahiru’s wife, and the spouses of the other fallen officers amid the outrage for not attending the funeral.