#ZAhmed2016: “Buhari’s family and personal aides put the money together to foot the bill” – Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Federal Government is not spending any money on the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Zahra, slated for Friday in Abuja.

The president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, stated this in his Facebook page on Thursday.

Shehu maintained that all the wedding expenses including the printing and distribution of invitation cards, souvenirs, lunch event for the men and dinner for the women as well as other miscellaneous expenses would be financed by the family and personal aides.

According to him, the president has said that even though the family wants to make Zahra happy on her wedding day, she will not enjoy “Royal Wedding’’.

“Zahra Muhammadu Buhari’s wedding to Ahmed Mohammed Indimi starting today is a celebrity event to savour any day. Much as the family wants to make their daughter happy they, however, will not make it a royal wedding.

The President’s family is trying hard to keep it as simple as possible. Wedding Lalle, Fatiha, lunch event for the men and dinner for the women who must have come from far and near and the bride heads to her husband!

In a twist from what was a norm among past leaders, the President asked to be given the bill for the food at the banquet. Government, he said, has no business paying for that.

This should be treated as private. His family and personal aides put the money together to foot the bill. No government money in invitation cards, souvenirs or Aso-Ebi. That’s essential Buhari for you!!’’ Shehu said.

The Wedding Fatiha will be conducted at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Friday, while reception for guest will be held at the Presidential Banquet Hall.