How Buhari Survived a Near-Plane Crash

A new book by Femi Adesina, the former media and publicity adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, has shed light on some of the behind-the-scenes events that shaped Buhari’s eight-year presidency. The book, titled ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)’, was launched in Abuja on Tuesday.

One of the most shocking revelations in the book is that Buhari and his aides narrowly escaped a plane crash in November 2015, six months after he assumed office. According to Adesina, Buhari was on his way to Malta for a Commonwealth summit when his presidential jet encountered a severe turbulence that lasted for several minutes.

The Boeing 737 business jet was about to land when it was hit by a sudden change in wind direction, known as wind shear, that caused it to sway and spin uncontrollably. Buhari, who was terrified by the ordeal, asked the pilot: “What kind of landing is this?” The pilot apologized and explained that it was a rare weather phenomenon that could not be predicted.

The book also chronicles Buhari’s extensive travels around the world during his two terms as president. Adesina claims that Buhari visited 94 countries in total, with the highest number of trips in 2016 (19), followed by 2022 (18), 2015 (16), and 2018 (12). The book provides insights into the purpose and outcomes of some of these trips, as well as the challenges and controversies that surrounded them.

Adesina describes his experience of working with Buhari as a privilege and an honor, and praises the president’s integrity, vision, and commitment to Nigeria’s development. He also addresses some of the criticisms and allegations that Buhari faced during his tenure, such as being aloof, authoritarian, nepotistic, and insensitive. He defends Buhari’s actions and policies, and argues that history will vindicate him as one of Nigeria’s best leaders.