President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday said he
had not directed any government agency to stop
anybody, including officials of past administrations,
from travelling abroad.

He said former government officials, including
ministers, were entitled to their full rights and
privileges under the nation’s Constitution.
He therefore warned that they must not be subjected
to any undue harassment and intimidation at the
airports or at other points of entry and exit.
Buhari made the clarification in a statement by the
Head of his media team, Garba Shehu, in Abuja.
Shehu said the President made the clarification while
reacting to some cases of ‘V.I.P stoppages’ at the
airports as reported to him on Saturday.

He quoted Buhari as directing all government
agencies to carry out their duties in full compliance
with extant rules, regulations and the Constitution of
the country.

“Unless otherwise directed by the courts, no law-
abiding citizens should be barred from travelling
abroad.

“We must treat fellow citizens with courtesy and
respect.

“Officials at the borders and other points of entry and
exit should conduct their affairs in strict compliance
with due process.

“No one has my permission to bar anyone from
travelling abroad,” Buhari said.