Saraki distances self from rumoured plot to replace “dead” Buhari
Fake news of President Muhammadu Buhari’s death has refused to go away.
The falsehood, as presidential media aide Garba Shehu said, was first published by one “Metro” website said to be based in the UK.
The report was so baseless and annoying Shehu lost his cool in a meltdown directed at supporters of former President Goodluck Jonathan whom Shehu suggested were fueling the rumour.
The rumour has refused to go away forcing another high ranking political figure to respond to the fake news.
Senate President Bukola Saraki had to respond to the “baseless rumours” after its propagators alleged Nigerian governors met in Abuja to remove Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and crown Saraki king of Aso Rock.
“My attention has been drawn to a speculation on some online media about supposed meeting of some Governors who held Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to ransom and sought for Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki to take over the Presidency,” Saraki said.
“My first initial reaction was to ignore this empty rumour but after being inundated with calls from across the country and abroad, it became necessary for me to make clarifications from our own end.
“It is a good thing that the Presidency had dismissed the speculation and showed that there is no substance to it. However, I feel it should be known that those behind this baseless, empty and unintelligent mischief are those who do not love this country.
“Such suggestions as contained in the speculation can only bring ill-will, disunity and crisis to the country and i therefore advise the sponsors to desist immediately.
“More importantly, these trouble makers should refrain from linking Senator Saraki’s name to their evil plot,” he said.
Buhari is in the UK to rest and check up on his health. He’s expected back at work on February 6.
