Garba Shehu, a media Presidential aide, said out-going President Muhammadu Buhari was only throwing banter when he made the comment about relocating to Niger Republic.
Buhari recently said that the Niger Republic is a safe haven for him if Nigerians give him problems after he steps down from office next week.
The president’s comments drew widespread criticism from Nigerians who question the president’s loyalty to the country.
Buhari’s spokesman, however, dismissed the criticism during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, noting that Nigerians should get used to the president’s sense of humour.
Shehu said Buhari’s comment was only banter and a way of easing tension around himself.
He stated that after eight years, Nigerians should have been used to the president’s sense of humour.
Shehu noted that Buhari’s remark indicates a friendly relationship with neighboring countries rather than a lack of loyalty to Nigeria.
According to him, President Buhari has done well for Nigeria and deserves to rest after eight years as the country’s leader.
“If you are a Nigerien, you would probably feel good about seeing a president that cares,” he added.
