President Bola Tinubu has told his predecessor, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, that he can’t relocate to Niger Republic as he publicly announced.

Tinubu said the border closure won’t allow Buhari to escape to Niger Republic.

Buhari had declared after handing over as President that if he is unable to get enough rest in Daura, his country home in Katsina State, he would leave for neighbouring Niger Republic.

But speaking on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in Abuja at the unveiling of two books titled ‘Working with Buhari (2015 – 2023)’ and ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy – 2015 – 2023 (Vols 1-5)’, Tinubu said he was extremely happy receiving Buhari in Abuja.

Tinubu said: “When President Buhari was leaving office he said he would retire to Daura, far away from Abuja to enjoy his well-deserved retirement from public service.

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“I remember he added that if his supporters and friends deny him enough rest in Daura, he would run to the Republic of Niger. Well, as you all know, he can no longer escape to Niger Republic because of the border closure.

“I am therefore extremely happy to receive him here in Abuja. We are all here today to honour a great man, a patriot, a dedicated public servant who offered his best in the service of our country since he joined the army in 1962 at age 18.”

The July 26, 2023 coup in Niger had forced the Federal Government to close its border with the neighbouring country.

The Star