– The presidency has said that former presidents of Nigeria always demanded kickbacks and tips before awarding contracts
– The presidency said President Muhammadu Buhari has abolished the old days of kickbacks within the system
– According to the presidency, frequent overseas travels made by President Buhari, Shehu said given the president has outdone all of his predecessors put together Nigeria’s presidency on Monday, November 4, said that former president always asked for tips and kickbacks before awarding contracts to different contractors.
The senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said President Buhari in his tenure has abolished the old days when kickbacks and tips superseded any major contract within the country.
Also reacting to frequent overseas travels made by President Buhari, Shehu said given the president has outdone all of his predecessors put together.
He also noted that with the emergence and internet speed and technology, any leader can function from any part of the world.
He said: “For one thing, President Buhari’s travels have not been excessive by the standards of this country’s past leaders and those of his counterparts in other countries. Given advances in modern travel and technology, a leader can maintain communication and govern from the air, on the road or at sea.”
“Given the advances made with satellite feeds, a leader needs not to be tied to his desk to make important decisions,” Shehu said.
He added that the days of frequent travels by leaders is the new norm as it is not something that will go away irrespective of the number or level of criticism dished out by the opposition.