I WAS SACKED IN 1985 BECAUSE I IGNORED IMF AND WORLD BANK ADVICE - BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari has said his refusal to adhere to an advice from the IMF, World Bank to devalue the Naira and increase prices of fuel and flour, led to the coup against him as military the Head of State in 1985.

Buhari speaking on Friday night, December 30, when he was hosted in Abuja by the Army at the Guards Brigade Regimental Dinner and presented with the captured Boko Haram flag said:presented with the captured Boko Haram flag said: "I refused and gave my reasons and the next thing I knew I was removed and detained for three and half years.

“As a civilian president I will do my best and I’m telling you all these because you are part of the leadership of this great country and God willing we will remain great.”

The president also stated he was conversant with the problems of the military having spent over 25 years in service.

He challenged the Nigerian army to ensure the unity of the country despite what he described as “political madness in the North East, the Niger Delta or in the East” of the country.

The president and the Army commanders however kept silent on Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau’s denial of his defeat in a new video.

Buhari became in charge of Nigeria on December 31, 1983, after he and his loyalists overthrew the government of Shehu Shagari.

However, on August 27, 1985, Buhari’s rule was ended by the Chief of Army Staff, IBB, who was a part of Buhari’s team and one of the key actors in 1983 coup.

The president had earlier said he knew Babangida was planning the coup against him. It may sound incredible, but they discussed it together with him at Buhari’s office.