Newly sworn-in President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned overzealous security officials against barring former government officials, including ministers that served under the immediate past administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
According to President Buhari, such former officials 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”, he said in a statement issued by head of his media team, Mallam Garba Shehu, Saturday.
In apparent reaction 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”, he said.
“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.