How Buhari turned down N10m food budget, ate beans, pap – Garba Shehu

Garba Shehu, former spokesperson to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed that the former Nigerian leader rejected a proposal to allocate N10 million for meals at the State House during his presidency.

The revelation is contained in Shehu’s newly released memoir, According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience, which was unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday.

The book details Shehu’s eight years working alongside Buhari and shares insider accounts of decision-making within the Presidential Villa.

Shehu recounted that shortly after Buhari took office in 2015, officials presented a plan to increase the food budget — covering meals for the president, vice president, official banquets, and guest accommodations — to N10 million.

“When they told him N10 million was needed, he screamed and demanded it be reduced,” Shehu said.“Look at my table, what do I eat? How much does it cost?” Buhari reportedly asked.

According to Shehu, the president maintained a modest diet throughout his time in office.

“Regarding his simple lifestyle, as president, most of the things he ate were very basic food that is recognisable and associated with and consumed by the lower strata of the Nigerian society: tuwo (dough-like dishes made from grains), pap, akara (bean cake), beans, wheat, plenty of salads, poultry and mutton. He ate healthily,” Shehu added.

Shehu said shortly after assuming office in 2015, Buhari was briefed by Nebolisa Emodi, permanent secretary at the State House, that N400 million had been released to purchase five customised Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

“The proposal to buy the vehicles had been made at the twilight of President Jonathan’s administration,” Shehu wrote.

“But Buhari asked, ‘What is wrong with the cars left behind by the former president?’ and added, ‘They are all right for my use.’”

Shehu noted that Buhari declined the purchase and directed Emodi to cut down operating costs at the Presidential Villa and strengthen internal financial controls.

He said Buhari continued using the vehicles left behind by Jonathan, only switching after one broke down on the way to the airport.

“He instructed that all State House expenses must stay within the approved budget and that reliance on the so-called Presidential Intervention Funds must end,” Shehu said.