Many of the workers working in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, have expressed their disappointment over what they described, as a sycophantic meeting hurriedly organised by President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, June 21, a few days after returning from his 14-day medical vacation leave in London.
After the meeting, the workers groaned that the presidency kept them in the heat of the sun, only to end up, “hearing the same old song of jailing looters without considering their welfare”.
According to the Cable; “When Aso Rock staff got a circular on Wednesday morning, directing them to attend an “emergency meeting” with President Muhammadu Buhari, they were thrilled.
“Many of them thought it was going to be a heart-to-heart talk, and had planned to discuss burning welfare issues with the president. Indeed, many of them were glad they would see him closely for the first time in their lives.”
Reacting to the meeting, a worker said: “You can then imagine our shock when the State House permanent secretary (Jalal Arbi), who led us to the meeting, told the president we only came to welcome him back from his medical trip.”
Femi Adesina, the presidential spokesman, had said staff from 12 departments of the State House came to bid Buhari, a “warm welcome”.
“This is the congregation of your children privileged to work in the Villa. We have gathered to welcome you and reassure you of our commitment to integrity, accountability and most importantly, fear of God. We pray God to continue to strengthen you and give you peace of mind and tranquility to govern.”
The bewildered staff, could not believe it when they were not allowed to ask any questions, or make any comments.
They believed they were lured to meet the president, as part of the “sycophancy” of senior officers, who want to be in the good books of the president.
“If I had known, I would not have bothered to leave my office,” another worker said.
The staff, who had earlier chanted “Sai Baba” as Buhari emerged from the mosque, even applauded and called him “father” when he noted that they were under the sun sweating profusely.
At the end of the meeting, the staff left dejected.
“You mean we were brought here just to welcome the president, who has been back to the country since on Sunday?” a worker asked.
Others were seen laughing and clapping sarcastically at the “fraudulent way” the “welcome” meeting was organised.
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