Turbulence and Touchdown: When Buhari’s Plane Took a Frightening Flight (and Visited 94 Countries!)

A near-miss in Malta and a record-breaking travel streak are just two of the revelations in Femi Adesina’s new book, “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser.”

Imagine it: former President Buhari, mid-air on a presidential jet, the plane buffeted by “frightful turbulence” so severe it nearly tips over. It’s the kind of story that makes your palms sweat, a chilling glimpse into the life of a leader at the mercy of the skies.

But this heart-stopping incident, detailed in Adesina’s book, is just one chapter in a fascinating journey. In eight years, Buhari racked up an impressive 94 official visits to 94 countries, making him a true globetrotter-in-chief.

From near-disaster to diplomatic dance:

The Malta flight, heading to a Commonwealth meeting, was initially smooth until landing. Then, chaos. The plane swayed, gyrated, and nearly flipped, leaving even the President shaken. His question to the pilot, “What kind of landing is this?” encapsulates the terror of the moment.

But the story doesn’t end there. The pilot’s apology and explanation of “wind shear” add a layer of human understanding to the incident, reminding us that even presidents face unexpected dangers.

A president on the move:

Chapter 21 of the book dives deep into Buhari’s globetrotting adventures, listing all 94 countries he visited. With 19 trips in 2016 and 18 in 2022, his commitment to international relations is undeniable.

This “over 50 foreign trips… and a health scare” chapter offers a glimpse into the demanding life of a president juggling domestic responsibilities with the complexities of the global stage.

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