Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq has disclosed that she has never had a romantic affair with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The News Digest reports that in October rumours had it that the duo of President Buhari and Farouq, a long time associate of his, were set to tie the nuptial knots in a high-profile ceremony in Northern Nigeria.

Farouk said that though she and Mr Buhari were quite close, having worked closely with him for over 17 years all the while he contested and lost presidential elections, there had never been any romantic affair between them to warrant them getting married.

However, in an exclusive chat with Sahara Reporters the Minister gave more insight about situation of things in her newly formed ministry as well as her relationship with President Buhari.

“I have been working for President Muhammadu Buhari for the last 17 years, so I am not just coming to be part of this government. I have been part and parcel of the movement.

“On the talk that I and President Buhari had plans to marry, it was a mere rumour and now we are beginning to understand where that emanated from.

“We were meant to be distracted but we have continued with our responsibilities as given by the President.

“I am not disputing the fact that I am close to President Buhari, having worked with him for this number of years but that talk was mere rumours”, Farouk said.  -News Digest