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Breaking News: ‘You Can’t Call Baba A Thief Or A Tyrant’ — Buhari’s Granddaughter Reveals Ex-President’s Turtle Tradition
Sa’adatu Muhammad, one of the granddaughters of the late former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, has shared a rare and deeply personal insight into his life, revealing that he had a unique tradition of gifting a pair of turtles to each newborn grandchild — a symbolic gesture he believed encouraged care and responsibility.
In a heartfelt interview with BBC Hausa Service, Sa’adatu spoke while reflecting on her grandfather’s recent passing in a London clinic, following a yet-to-be-disclosed illness.
“Whenever a grandchild was born, he would send two turtles, a male and a female, for the child to raise,” she said.
She narrated how she received turtles on three occasions, but each set eventually died.
“He gifted me some, and they died. He gave me another set, and they also died. He gave me a third time but said he would not give me any more,” she recounted with a smile.
While discussing the criticisms that followed Buhari’s years in office, Sa’adatu defended her grandfather's legacy, insisting he was a principled man despite his imperfections.
“Human beings are not infallible. Everyone has lapses. But no matter what you think of him, you can’t call Baba a thief, and you can’t call him a tyrant,” she stated firmly.
She also referenced a viral video in which Buhari offered an apology to Nigerians after leaving office, describing it as a gesture of humility and forgiveness.
“This is a great gift someone who has the right to be angry but chooses to forgive,” she added.
The late President Muhammadu Buhari was buried earlier this week in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, as Nigerians continue to share stories and reflections about his life and legacy.