Muhammed Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign positioning may be inspiring some overzealousness among security officials in the country. According to reports, airport security officials are harassing senior government officials in the the Goodluck Jonathan administration who wish to travel abroad.
In the weeks leading up to the inauguration of yesterday, some of President Buhari supporters have been calling for an illegal ban on foreign travel for ministers who served under President Goodluck Jonathan in news interviews and on social media. It appears some airport officials are acting on social media hashtags and beginning to harass government officials who wish to travel in or out of the country at this time.
In a statement signed by media aide, Garba Shehu, Sunday, May 30, 2015, Buhari said that officials of past administrations including ministers are entitled to their full rights and privileges under the constitution and must not be subjected to any undue harassment and intimidation at the airports or at other points of entry and exit.
“We have not banned anyone from travelling,” said the President.
Responding to some cases of “V.I.P stoppages” at the airports as reported to him on Saturday, President Buhari directed all agencies under the government to run their affairs in full compliance with extant rules, regulations and the constitution of the country.
“Unless otherwise directed by the courts, no law-abiding citizens should be barred from travelling abroad. We must treat fellow citizens with courtesy and respect. Officials at the borders and other points of entry and exit should conduct their affairs in strict compliance with due process. No one has my permission to bar anyone from travelling abroad,” the president said.
