President Buhari’s comments ‘were a joke’ – Spokesman

The spokesperson for Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has come to his defence after he came in for criticism for saying that his wife “belongs to my kitchen”.

He urges people to see it as a joke, and says he has promoted many women:

Mallam Garba Shehu ✔ @GarShehu “My friends, can’t a leader get a sense humour anymore? Mr. President laughed before that statement was made.”

Mallam Garba Shehu ✔ @GarShehu “He was obviously throwing a banter.”

Mallam Garba Shehu ✔ @GarShehu “Politics sometimes should be spiced with humour. Those of us close to him knows there is never a dull moment with him.”

Mallam Garba Shehu ✔ @GarShehu “Mr. President respects the place of women in our society. He believes in the abilities of women.”

“One of Nigeria’s most sensitive office today is headed by a woman, Mrs. Adeosun. This is an evidence of the confidence he reposes on women.”

Buhari comments: The president’s detractors and defenders

We posted the video of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari saying that his “wife belongs to my kitchen” on the BBC Africa Facebook page, and the comments keep rolling in.

There’s a lot of criticism:

“Why is he educating his daughter, she will belong to another man’s kitchen. We are already struggling with men disrespecting women and a president added to this. Who will respect the wife?” – Adu Amani

“Mr Buhari was saying this in the presence of a woman – Angela Merkel, one of the most powerful politicians on the planet. And guess what, he has gone cap in hand to beg for her assistance, not for the bedroom or kitchen, but for combating terrorism.” – Chijioke Festus Ome

But some have gone to Mr Buhari’s defence:

“He was not talking about all women. He has appointed women as cabinet ministers and many more position in his government. Why are you misunderstanding his words. This is not a policy statement it is purely personal and concerns only his wife.” – Amadu Alusine

“He said ‘wife’ not ‘women’. A woman’s place as wife and mother is primarily in the kitchen. Every other thing is secondary. “- Anna Takang

CREDIT: BBC AFRICA