The wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, has explained that she criticised her husband in an interview granted the BBC in 2016 out of her sense of justice, not that she intended to be confrontational.

Aisha made the clarification during an event where she was honoured as Vanguard Personality of the Year 2017.

The President’s wife, who was represented by one of her daughters, Halima, said Nigerians elected her husband based on the trust and confidence they have in him.

She says she stands by that and expects that the administration must serve Nigeria to the best of its ability.

Aisha said, “I wish to thank the management of Vanguard Media Limited for this unexpected award, in recognition of my humanitarian efforts towards improving the health and welfare of Nigerians particularly women, children and less privileged.

“One of the reasons adduced for honouring me was the interview I granted which some people saw as criticism to a government that I am part of.

“As we are all aware, Nigerians elected this administration based on the trust and confidence they have on my husband; I, therefore, feel that we are here to serve Nigeria to the best of our ability.

“Let me use this opportunity to state that I support my husband in this call to service and will continue to do so.

“On this note, I hereby dedicate this award to the people of Nigeria, especially women. Thank you sincerely for this award.”