ABUJA, Nigeria — As she prepares to leave her role, outgoing First Lady Aisha Buhari has called for former first ladies to be granted privileges currently extended only to former presidents, including the provision of vehicles, sponsored medical treatments, and stipends, among others.
Mrs Buhari made this call at a book launch in Abuja on Friday, May 26, 2023, authored by the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association, DEPOWA, Mrs Vickie Anwuli Irabor.
Highlighting the significant role of first ladies, Mrs. Buhari urged authorities to extend the same respect and privileges enjoyed by former presidents to their wives.
“I married my husband as the wife of a former president. I am going in a few days as a wife of a former president a second time,” she stated.
The First Lady’s proposal underscores the unique and often understated position of first ladies, who juggle a variety of responsibilities and face significant public scrutiny.
“They should consider us as former first ladies. They should incorporate the first ladies, give us some privileges that we deserve as first ladies, not just the former presidents,” she asserted.
Mrs. Buhari’s call has stirred a national conversation on the status and role of first ladies in Nigeria.
It remains to be seen how her advocacy will influence future decisions about the entitlements and recognition of the wives of former presidents in Nigeria.
