Man attacks Buhari in Kebbi

An yet-to-be identified man charged at President Muhammadu Buhari in Kebbi State on Thursday, March 12, 2020, raising questions about the safety of Nigeria’s number one citizen and the competence of those who watch over him.

In the eight-second clip that has been making the rounds on social media and which was made available to Pulse shortly before midnight, the man who was wearing a black traditional outfit, violently made for President Buhari as he posed for photographs with Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu and other dignitaries.

Buhari was in Birnin Kebbi for the Agricultural Fair and Display, a part of the 2020 Argungu International Fishing Festival.

Eyewitnesses tell Pulse that the man was wrestled to the ground and bundled into a security van soon afterwards.

The president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, dismissed the incident as a storm in a teacup; suggesting that the man was an admirer and fan of the president and that the scenario was far from a heckling.

“A young man was very excited to see his president at the Argungu fishing festival. He made to walk straight to him for a handshake. Security details prevented it. Now, opposite (sic) people are passing it off as an attempt to attack the president. How malicious can some people be!” Adesina said.

The nation's security agencies have been tight-lipped on the man's identity or intentions.

The presidency's side of the story

In a statement he signed afterwards, Adesina said; "President Muhammadu Buhari was in Kebbi State Thursday to declare open the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival. It was the first time the international tourism event would hold in eleven 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."