Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmed, has lashed out at US-based journalism professor, Farooq Kperogi, over his recent claim that Aisha Buhari divorced her husband, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, before his death.
Kperogi, who made the controversial statement four days ago, later backtracked and issued a public apology on Sunday, July 20. In a heartfelt Facebook post, he described the report as one of his “worst and cruellest lapses of judgment,” and extended an unreserved apology to the former First Lady.
“To Mrs. Aisha Buhari, I offer my heartfelt and unreserved apology for the needless and deeply regrettable hurt I have caused. I am truly sorry,” Kperogi wrote.
However, Bashir Ahmed was not impressed. Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Ahmed condemned the professor’s initial report and questioned his credibility as an academic and journalism instructor.
“You can’t be a journalism teacher and specialise gravely in speculative reportage,” Ahmed fired back.
He added that issuing an apology after the harm had already been done was not a sign of bravery, but rather cowardice in disguise.
“To act on secondhand claims, admit they were not meant to be public, and then seek refuge behind an apology after the damage is done is not courage; it is cowardice dressed as contrition,” Ahmed stated.
The controversy has stirred heated conversations online, with many Nigerians calling for greater accountability among public commentators, especially those with academic influence.
