Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has warned his former appointees against requesting his presence as a witness in court proceedings.
It was reported that Buhari issued the warning at a private gathering in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
He made it clear that anyone who dared to ask him to testify would face dire consequences.
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Buhari said:
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“Nobody should ask me to come and give any evidence in any court. Otherwise, whoever it is will be in trouble.”
His warning sparked criticism from some who argue that it reflected a deeper issue within Nigeria’s justice system, where influential individuals can manipulate the course of justice to protect themselves or their associates.
Critics view Buhari’s statement as an attempt to evade accountability for the actions of his government and protect those loyal to him.
They argued that it is unacceptable for a former president to intimidate potential witnesses and that it undermined the rule of law.
It was believed that Buhari’s strong-willed and often uncompromising leadership style has been a hallmark of his two terms in office from 2015 to 2023.