President Muhammdu Buhari has disclosed that he insisted his second wife must be an AA genotype after losing two of his children by his late wife, Safinatu, to sickle cell anemia.
Buhari made this disclosure at a private dinner organised by his family and very close associates on Friday, to celebrate his 80th birthday tagged “Celebrating A Patriot, a Leader, an Elder Statesman.”
The President explained that when he wanted to remarry, he insisted the second wife (the first lady, Aisha Buhari) must be AA genotype, so that his children would not inherit the S from his AS genotype.
Meanwhile, President Buhari has said he will not miss Aso Rock much, because he is being harassed, noting that his efforts to make the country better is not good enough to and appreciated by some people.
Asked what he would miss about the presidency after leaving, Buhari said, “I wonder if I am going to miss much. I think I’m being harassed. I believe I’m trying my best but still my best is not good enough (to some people).
“Because there are people around that think that they can intimidate me to get what they want instead of going through certain systems to earn whatever they want to earn. And they are some people who want to be clever by half.”
Speaking on behalf of her siblings and the entire family, the president’s eldest daughter, Fatima Buhari, thanked her father for investing in their future by giving them the needed training and care for their wellbeing.
She said, “We are deeply honoured to be here celebrating the 80th birthday of our beloved father. I thank almighty Allah for his mercy and grace, for giving our beloved father long life and good health.
“Baba is someone who money cannot buy. That is one thing we know and he taught us that. He taught us humility, loyalty, integrity, dignity and honesty and he has a very good sense of humour. He gave us everything a parent will give his child; love, care, good education, shelter and many more,” she said.
Fatima also described her father as a man with penchant for accountability and a stickler for time.
She said: “He gave us everything, love, care, good education and all.
“He is blessed with 10 children. Two of whom are dead, 22 grandchildren whom he gives funny names.
“We have learnt so much from his character like ‘no African time’, he is always prompt. He once left me behind and went on a journey we all planned to go because I was late. Of course, I cried but I learnt my lesson.
“He taught us accountability. He is always saying bring me back my change. Baba, I’m sorry I am saying all these in public but we are so proud of you, we love you to the moon and back.”
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