Aisha Buhari drops modest title of wife of the president in favour of more flambouyant First Lady

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari's wife Aisha has done an about turn on how she wishes to be addressed announcing that from henceforth she wishes to be referred to as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

In 2015 when President Buhari was first elected, it was decided that Aisha will just be known as the wife of the president, with no accompanying office and a retinue of staff. Although not in the constitution, the Office of the First Lady has been one that has traditionally been very expensive to maintain as the wives of presidents have always had huge offices, with large numbers of staff.

 

President Buhari decided to do away with the office of the first lady as part of his clampdown on squandermania and ostentation but it appears that the move has not withstood the test of time. Having recently been sworn-in for a second term, it appears that Aisha has got tired of the frugal lifestyle and now wants to be treated in the same manner as previous wives of the president.

 

Hadjia Aisha Buhari said the change of title will take effect immediately in order to also resolve the issue of the title of wives of governors. At an event held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, she revealed her new official title at the presentation of awards to wives of former and current governors of Nigeria's 36 states.

 

“When my husband was elected newly I personally chose to be called the wife of the president but, I realised that it causes confusion from the state as to whether the wives of state governors are to be addressed as the first ladies or wives of the governors. So, forgive me for confusing you from the beginning but now I choose to be called the first lady,” Hadjia Buhari said.

 

Over the last week, Hadjia Buhari has been in the news for her expensive and ostentatious dressing after she appeared a gala dinner in a Oscar De LaRenta dress. On Tuesday, President Buhari hosted several African leaders to a gala night to commemorate the celebration of June 12 Democracy Day and his wife caught the eye with her stunning dress.

 

She stepped out for the occasion  in a maple leaf embroidered silk-crepe cape-back kaftan dress designed by Oscar De LaRenta. Apparently, the dress which used to go for $4,290 is currently retailing for $2,145 which converts toN772,200 in a nation where the minimum wage is N30,000 per month.

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