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Rare Video of Former President Buhari Spraying Dollars Surface on Internet
Ghazali Ibrahim
A rare video of former President Muhammadu Buhari spraying dollars at an event has surfaced on the internet, sparking a wave of surprise among many Nigerians.
The video, which has since gone viral, shows the former president in a seemingly uncharacteristic display of wealth as he freely distributes U.S. dollars to a musician at a public event.
Buhari, who is widely known for his austere lifestyle and strict discipline, spent most of his military and political career advocating for savings, and fiscal responsibility which even led to the creation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) when he was the president.
As a soldier, Buhari gained a reputation for his no-nonsense approach to leadership, especially during his tenure as Head of State from 1983 to 1985, where his government emphasized anti-corruption and national development.
Upon his return to power in 2015 as Nigeria’s democratically elected president, Buhari remained consistent in promoting a lifestyle of simplicity and discipline, often opting for modest living arrangements and avoiding the den of excess that characterize many politicians in the country.
His administration, for instance, saw cuts to government spending, and Buhari famously traveled with a small delegation, even for state visits abroad, in line with his belief in frugality.
Given this context, the sight of Buhari, who once admonished Nigerians for their extravagant lifestyles, spraying U.S. dollars at a public event has left many questioning the authenticity of the video and the consistency of his public persona.
While some social media users have dismissed the footage as either doctored or taken out of context, others have expressed shock at the contradiction it presents.
Many have taken to social media to discuss the disconnect between his previous public messages of strict discipline and the image portrayed in the viral video.
