Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, once turned down two extravagant personal gifts during his time in office: a diamond-studded wristwatch and a private aircraft, from admirers both at home and abroad, according to his former media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu.
Naijaonpoint reports that Shehu, who served as the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Buhari from 2015 to 2023, made the revelation during an appearance on ‘Inside Sources with Laolu Akande,’ aired on Friday on Channels Television.
During the interview, Shehu narrated how a globally recognised Nigerian fashion designer, inspired by Buhari’s persona, handcrafted a custom wristwatch embedded with diamonds and had the President’s portrait elegantly engraved on its face.
The expensive piece was intended as a personal gift, but Buhari reportedly wanted no part of it.
“The president looked at it and said, ‘Diamond wristwatch? I can’t wear this,’” Shehu recalled. “He asked me to tell the young man, ‘You are doing very well. You’re a good ambassador for Nigeria, and we’ll keep encouraging you. But this watch, take it back. I won’t use it.’”
According to Shehu, the incident left a lasting impression on many around the former president, reinforcing his well-known image as a leader who consistently avoided unnecessary luxury.
Why Buhari Refused a Private Jet from Abu Dhabi
According to Shehu, in another incident in 2016, Buhari was on an official state visit to the United Arab Emirates when the Emir of Abu Dhabi offered him a personal aircraft as a gift.
The Emir reportedly made the generous offer during bilateral discussions, telling the Nigerian delegation that Buhari could select any aircraft of his choice for personal use.
But once Buhari learned that the aircraft was not meant for the Nigerian government but for his own private use, he firmly declined.
“The President said, ‘If it is for my country, I will accept. But if it’s for me, I can’t take it,’” Shehu recounted.
“He told the Emir, ‘I don’t need an aircraft when I leave office. In any case, I can’t maintain it.’ And that ended the conversation.”
Shehu said while others may have viewed the offer as a practical gesture, especially for someone who would be retiring to a remote hometown like Daura, Buhari simply didn’t see it that way.
Buhari Didn’t Need Extravagance To Feel Fulfilled – Shehu
Reflecting on his years as Buhari’s spokesman, Shehu said one of the most comforting things about the job was the assurance that there would be no scandalous headlines tied to personal greed or corruption.
“As a spokesperson for that leader, you were comfortable with one thing, you were never going to be greeted by embarrassing stories of your boss being involved in wrongdoing in any way,” he said.
According to Shehu, Buhari’s refusal of luxury gifts was not a one-time act but rather a pattern that reflected his deep-rooted values and leadership style.
Shehu also spoke about his relationship with journalists during his time at the Villa, describing it as both respectful and adversarial.
He explained how some reporters would try to “prick or pinch” him into saying things off the cuff, using personal familiarity as leverage.
“They’d say, ‘Don’t think you’re too far from us now that you’re in the villa.’ They’d try to bait you, challenge you, hoping to catch you slipping,” Shehu said with a laugh.
Garba Shehu’s appearance on the show coincides with the release of his new memoir, According to the President, which provides behind-the-scenes insights into Buhari’s presidency.
The book also offers guidance for current and future government spokespersons navigating the complex corridors of power.
As Nigeria continues to debate the character and policies of its past leaders, Shehu’s stories offer a rare, personal glimpse into the private decisions that, according to him, defined Buhari’s moral compass.
“He didn’t just preach integrity, he lived it,” Shehu concluded.
Naijaonpoint recalls that Muhammadu Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, in London after a prolonged illness.
Buhari, Nigeria’s second-longest-serving leader, was buried in his hometown, Daura, in Katsina State, in a ceremony attended by dignitaries from within and outside the country.
He served as Nigeria’s civilian president between 2015 and 2023, and earlier as a military Head of State from 1983 to 1985.