Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is fond of smoking Silk cigarettes and “can’t do without” them.
Lawal made the claim during an interview on Symfoni TV on Saturday, where he spoke about Tinubu's health, lifestyle and wealth.
“The only thing I know he likes much is cigarettes, Silk. He smokes. I don’t know whether he does it now. He likes that a lot. He can’t do without it,” Lawal said.
The former SGF also described the president as an unhealthy man, claiming that his medical condition is well known to the public and pointing to his trips to France for medical attention.
According to Lawal, Tinubu should prioritise his health after completing his current four-year term in office.
“I have said it before, even his health conditions are publicly known. He is not a healthy man now. Nigerians are not fooled. He is always in France. He should pursue his health,” he said.
He added that advancing age and declining health could affect performance in public office, saying Tinubu should focus on his well-being.
Lawal also spoke about the president's eating habits, describing him as someone who lives simply and is not particularly interested in food or luxury.
“Bola is not somebody that likes to enjoy food. Bola would wake up in the morning and there is banana in his living room. He would eat banana and groundnut. Sometimes in the morning they bring Ogi (pap) and moimoi,” he said.
On allegations that Tinubu amassed significant wealth, Lawal said he found such claims difficult to reconcile with the president's personal lifestyle.
“Why is he accused of amassing such excessive wealth? I don’t understand. He is not going to enjoy it. He doesn’t enjoy it,” he said.
Lawal recalled that before becoming president, Tinubu was often casually dressed and unconcerned about appearances. He said he once criticised Tinubu's manner of dressing and urged his aides not to allow him take photographs until he was properly dressed.
“There was a time I was fighting with his aides, don’t allow him to take pictures until he is properly dressed. He is not somebody that really revels in luxury or things like that,” Lawal added.
The remarks are the latest in a series of comments by Lawal on President Tinubu's health and leadership, as political discussions continue over the president's performance and future in office.
