How Not To Address President Buhari – SGF Warns MDAs

The Federal Government has warned its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) against improper recognition and address of President Muhammadu Buhari at formal functions.

A circular by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha to the MDAs on the subject matter directed that the President should no longer be addressed by his military rank

The circular stated that the President, though a retired Major General, does not want to be addressed by that military rank at official functions.

It said; “Government has observed with concern the inconsistent manner in which the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria is addressed during Official and Private functions.”

The circular dated January 26, 2018 further said; “It has therefore become necessary to have a standard format for addressing him at such formal occasions.

“To this end, Mr. President shall henceforth be addressed as ‘MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA’ except in purely Armed Forces Programmes, where ‘COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA’ will be added.”

According to the SGF, “All concerned persons should accordingly be guided and ensure strict compliance with the contents of this Circular.”