Restructuring Debate - Presidency Warns Against Harsh Words For Buhari

The Presidency on Wednesday advised those
it described as opinion leaders in the
country to exercise restraint in their choice
of words as they criticise President
Muhammadu Buhari based on his position
on ongoing calls for the nation’s
restructuring. The Senior Special Assistant to
the President on Media and Publicity, Garba
Shehu, gave the warning in a statement
made available to journalists in Abuja.
Shehu said the restraint was necessary to
avoid heating up the polity and causing
acrimony across the country.

He noted that while Nigerians are free to
express themselves, they should “exercise
such liberty with restraint and a sense of
responsibility.” The presidential spokesman
said calling Buhari an enemy of Nigeria was
in extremely bad taste. He added that
nothing in the President’s service record
would justify “such scurrilous language.”
Shehu said he was satisfied that majority of
Nigerians welcomed Buhari’s broadcast to
the nation on Monday.

He, however, said it was off the mark to
criticise him for not responding to calls for
restructuring.