Aisha Buhari, the wife of Nigeria’s outgoing president,
shared her sentiments about leaving Aso Rock,
the presidential residence, as
President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure came to an end on May 29, 2023.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Aisha reflected on what she would miss
the most, particularly her evening walks in the beautiful garden surrounding
the Villa.
After spending eight years in the presidential villa, Aisha
had grown accustomed to taking leisurely walks in the evenings. The Villa
boasted a long stretch and a stunning garden, and the serene ambiance provided
her with a sense of tranquility. Aisha expressed her fondness for these walks
and acknowledged that she would miss them dearly. However, she maintained an
overall sense of happiness and gratitude as she prepared to leave her role as
the First Lady of Nigeria. Aisha extended her gratitude to God for the
fulfilling experiences she had during her time in the Villa.
In a symbolic gesture, Aisha Buhari handed over her duties to
the incoming First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, during a formal ceremony held at the
Presidential Villa in Abuja. During the handover, Aisha familiarized Remi with
the responsibilities associated with the position and provided her with
important documents to guide her in her new role. She also passed on the seal
of the African First Ladies Peace Mission to her successor, making Remi the new
chief host for all spouses of African heads of state.
Aisha Buhari acknowledged that the role of the First Lady is
not constitutional but expressed her gratitude for the goodwill and support she
received from the citizens, allowing her to engage in various humanitarian
activities and collaborate with NGOs throughout her tenure. Despite the absence
of a formal constitutional mandate, Aisha recognized the opportunity to
positively impact society and assist those in need. She mentioned the
partnerships with numerous Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that enabled
her to contribute to the betterment of Nigerian citizens. As a gesture of
continuity and guidance, Aisha prepared a handover document for her successor,
highlighting the NGOs she had collaborated with and offering insight into the
initiatives she had pursued.
In response, Oluremi Tinubu expressed her gratitude for Aisha
Buhari’s exemplary leadership and acknowledged the humility required to assume
the role of First Lady. She commended Aisha for her demonstrated expertise and
efficiency in carrying out her responsibilities. Tinubu conveyed her sincere
appreciation and recognized the significance of learning from her predecessor’s
experiences rather than presuming to possess all the answers.
The handover ceremony marked the transition of power within
the position of First Lady, and Aisha Buhari’s tenure concluded with a sense of
fulfillment, leaving behind a legacy of humanitarian work and partnerships that
she hoped her successor would continue.
