The Presidency has finally reacted to the alleged security breach at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, involving President Muhammadu Buhari’s aides and those of his wife, Aisha.
In a release signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu on Sunday, the President has ordered a thorough investigation into the milieu.
The Presidency stated that the Thursday incident happened outside the residence of the president and did not constitute any form of danger to the president.
The Presidency said it was unfortunate that the incident was being used as an excuse to attack the government and the person of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reports were rife that Aisha Buhari called on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to order the release of her aides, including her ADC, Usman Shugaba, who were arrested.
The aides of the First Lady were said to have been arrested on the order of the Chief Security Officer of the president, Idris Kassim.
The reaction of the Presidency reads: “The Presidency wishes to acknowledge concerns expressed by several members of the public regarding the recent incident among the occupants of the State House which escalation led to the arrest of some staff by the police.
“This is to assure all and everyone that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, is not, and was not at anytime in any form of danger arising, either from deadly infections or the reported incident by security personnel which is currently under investigation.
“This particular incident happened outside the main residence of the President.
“Armed guards and other security personnel assigned to the State House receive the necessary training of especially weapons handling and where they come short, their relevant agencies have their rules and regulations to immediately address them.
“Having authorized the proper investigation to be carried out into this unfortunate incident by the Police, the President has acted in compliance with the rule of law.
“That a minor occurrence is being used by some critics to justify attacks on the government and the person of President Muhammadu Buhari beggars belief.
“In this particular instance, the President says the law should be allowed to take its course.”