The Presidency has denied that there was any form of attack on President Muhammadu Buhari during the opening ceremony of the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival in Kebbi, on Thursday.
President Buhari while trying to take a photograph with the Governor of Kebbi State and other government officials during the opening ceremony of the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival, was rushed at by a young boy, whose intention many have defined to be an attempted attack on the president.
But the president’s Special Assistant on media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, has dismissed the incident as an attempt to attack the president.
Adesina, in a press release he signed, would instead describe the incident as a case of “a young man very excited to see his president so close and attempted to get to him.”
Below is text of the press statement:
“President Muhammadu Buhari was, in Kebbi State, on Thursday, to declare open the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival.
“It was the first time the international tourism event would hold in 11 years, as security considerations had rendered it impracticable.
“As the President went round the arena to inspect rice pyramids on display, and take photographs with farmers, a young man was so very excited to see his President so close. He made an attempt to get to him.
“World over, such would not be allowed by security details. The young man was prevented, and he protested that he should be allowed to greet his President.
“Now, professional contortionists are making mischief of the event. They are passing the video clip off on social media as an attempt to attack the president.
“Malicious people always twist things to give a negative narrative. But they simply dash their heads against the wall. The country moves on.”