Presidency officials say talk of Buhari not being in control is just a campaign of calumny

PRESIDENCY officials have warned about an ongoing smear campaign being waged against President Muhammadu Buhari claiming he has lost control of the government which it said is being conducted by disgruntled politicians to sow seeds of discord among the populace.

Of late, President Buhari has come in for a lot of criticism over his government's failure in the area of security in the light of several major embarrassments. In Borno State, 43 rive farmers were beheaded by terrorist sect Boko Haram, while in Katsina State, about 330 schoolboys were abducted by the terrorists.

Lashing out at the critics, Femi Adesina, President Buhari's spokesman, alerted the general public to what he called a smear campaign by those he described as disgruntled political elements. He said these politicians have been shopping for allies on the internet to serve as accomplices in their nefarious act.

According to Mr Adesina, they are plotting to portray President Buhari would as not being in charge of the country, a narrative already started from a procured offshore medium by the instigators. He further claimed that money and other attractive inducements are being offered to the online media to cook up unsubstantiated stories against the president to sow seeds of discord and discontent in the country.

Mr Adesina called on Nigerians to disregard such stories when they come across them, urging them to be wary and discerning in what they consume as news. He also debunked rumours that President Buhari was not in charge of his government or that control of his administration had been hijacked.

“President Buhari remains focused and single-minded in his determination to serve the country to the best of his ability, bringing change to different facets of our national life. The president’s performance in the area of infrastructures such as construction roads, rail, bridges, airports around the country and even agriculture, testify that the Buhari is in control.

“The fight against corruption, insecurity and retooling of the economy also proceeds apace, and the Buhari administration will not be distracted. It will continue to serve with heart and might, irrespective of all shenanigans,” Mr Adesina added.