Peoples Gazette exclusively reported that recently, suspected robbers invaded the residences of President Buhari’s two senior aides – Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, and Admin Officer, Abubakar Maikano, within the neighbourhood of the Presidential Villa.

This ugly incident allegedly occurred notwithstanding the heavy security presence around Nigeria’s palace of power. More so, considering the level of insecurity around the country currently, the news of the alleged burglary around the Aso Villa tend to heighten the issue, increasing the pace of panic. Thus, the question on the lips of many is that if the Presidential Villa appears unsafe, where is safe? Here lies the big deal.

However, when we look at a few other points, one is tempted to wonder whether those at the corridors of power, especially the presidential aides, appreciate the weight of the issues. For instance, the first reaction of the President’s Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, was to roundly dismiss the news which he also tagged as “Fake.”

An exclusive FAKE NEWS from this news blog, that is what is expected from you, fake news and more fake news. https://t.co/5lmrltKIwG

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) May 10, 2021

On his part, Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity confirmed the news but stated that the incident was “a foolish attempt to burgle” the residence of the Chief of Staff which was unsuccessful. He noted that there was nothing to worry about concerning the incident and that the Police was on top of it. 

The Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari has confirmed that there “was a foolish attempt” to burgle his residence at 3:00am this morning but it turned out to be unsuccessful.

— Garba Shehu (@GarShehu) May 10, 2021

Apparently riding on Garba Shehu’s position on the incident, Bashir Ahmad maintains that there is a difference between an ‘attempt’ and an ‘invasion’. This was in a bid to justify his earlier reaction that the news was a fake one. 

“Armed robbers invade Aso Rock, empty Buhari’s chief of staff Gambari, admin officer Maikano’s residences” STILL AN EXCLUSIVE FAKE NEWS.

People of understanding and reasoning of course understand the difference between an ‘attempt’ and an ‘invasion’.

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) May 10, 2021

Well, the President’s media managers and assistants appear to be doing their job in playing down sensitive issues so as to avert needless tension. Their utterances tend to suggest that there’s no big deal to the incident.

Nevertheless, it won’t be out of place to imagine that the primary suspects may be people familiar with the Villa and its surrounding. Thus, it could be an insiders’ business which Nigerians shouldn’t worry about, especially as it pertains to the strength of the security within the Villa against any form of external attack or aggression.

More so, it may very well be that the current hardship in the country is having its toll around the Villa, which inspires the attempted burglary or the alleged successful robbery incident. Whatever the case, it remains a bad omen. Those responsible for the alleged invasion or attempt deserves to be punished for their conduct and for casting aspersions on the integrity of the security around the Presidential Villa, with all its attendant embarrassment to the Presidency.

Featured Image Credit: Peoples Gazette