Following his active engagement in Nigeria’s civil war without receiving treatment, First Lady Mrs. Aisha Buhari disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which had a negative impact on her for a number of years.
Mrs. Buhari made the revelation yesterday at the Armed Forces Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Centre (AFPTSDC) groundbreaking event, where she was the main guest of honor. The center was established by the Mrs. Lucky Irabor-led Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
The President’s wife stated, “So, at the age of 19, I had to figure out how to tell somebody of his caliber that he was wrong or right and that was the beginning of my offense in his house, and contesting elections in 2003 and failed, 2007, failed and 2011, the same thing – all without rehabilitation – I became a physiotherapist.”
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She added that her husband’s removal as the military head of state and subsequent 40-month captivity without being charged with any crimes had a negative impact on his condition.
“It is a reality that soldiers and military families have to live with, despite its negative consequences. Being a soldier’s wife or a retired soldier’s wife and a wellness expert, I understand the challenges associated with PTSD and its impact on military families and the nation.”
“My husband served the Nigerian Army for 27 years before he was overthrown in a coup d’état. He fought the civil war for 30 months without rehabilitation; he ruled Nigeria for 20 months and was detained for 40 months without disclosing the nature of his offence,” the first lady noted.
“Failing election for three times was a big blow to every contestant but those that have contested for just yesterday, a simple primary election, they are still living in a traumatic condition, I tried to console them, I tried to talk to them, some of them have switched off their phones up till today, just because of a primary election.”
“You can imagine me at 19 years, handling somebody that went to war, suffered coup d’état, then lost several elections, and, finally, getting to the Villa in 2015. Also, for a woman to tell them that this is wrong or right in Nigeria and Africa is a problem.”
Mrs Buhari thanked DEPOWA for its support in trying to cater for soldiers facing PTSD, saying: “I thank DEPOWA for this initiative and the military establishment for supporting them. I call on them to ensure that this centre provides quality and sustained care for soldiers that suffer from PTSD.”
