As the nation continues to mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, tributes have poured in from leaders across Nigeria and beyond. One of the most heartfelt tribute came on Monday from General Lucky E. O. Irabor (Rtd), Nigeria’s immediate-past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who described Buhari as a “soldier’s soldier” and “a good man, in every sense.”
In a moving statement, Gen.Irabor recounted his personal and professional relationship with the late president, praising his leadership, discipline, and deep commitment to Nigeria’s unity and security.
“The news of the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, came to me and my family as a profound shock and source of deep sorrow,” Irabor wrote, adding that “millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora feel the same sense of loss.”
Gen. Irabor (rtd) revealed that he never met Buhari in person until his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff on January 26, 2021. However, he had long admired him from afar. “Like many Nigerians, I knew him only from a distance, through the pages of history, the news, and the reverence with which he was spoken of in military circles,” he said.
Recalling their first meeting, Irabor noted, “He looked me in the eye and said, ‘I have never met you before, but I have heard of your performance. I hope you will not disappoint.’ That moment has never left me.”
Describing Buhari as a “soldier’s soldier” and a deeply principled leader, Irabor highlighted the president’s leadership style as one that inspired confidence and trust. “He placed implicit trust in those he appointed, never interfering, never second-guessing,” Irabor wrote. “To me, it revealed a depth of character and a rare kind of leadership.”
The retired General also commended Buhari’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces, even amid limited national resources. According to him, the former president “trusted our judgment and believed in our capacity… He believed in us: that failure was not an end, it was a lesson to be learned, a stepping stone to future success.”
Gen Irabor shared several behind-the-scenes moments, including Buhari’s openness to counsel and his quick response to urgent national security concerns. “He had the humility to yield to superior arguments when convinced by reason,” Irabor revealed, recalling occasions when Buhari reversed major decisions after listening to his perspective.
At National Security Council meetings, the president’s stamina and patience also left a lasting impression. “I was often struck by his endurance. sitting for hours, attentive and composed, never once calling for a break,” Irabor said.
While acknowledging that Buhari had his flaws, Irabor insisted that, “Yes, like every mortal, he had his flaws. But within the man I knew, President Muhammadu Buhari, I saw a patriot who loved Nigeria deeply and gave of himself sacrificially. He desired a better nation and poured out his energy, time, and strength in pursuit of that dream.”
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served in his administration,” he added. “To have walked a part of this journey of nation-building with him.”
He concluded his tribute with words of comfort to the Buhari family, stating: “May you find comfort in the knowledge that your husband, father, and friend served with honour, courage, and integrity.”
Irabor offered a final salute, “my Commander-in-Chief, my Principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, at the sound of the Last Post, rest well. You fought the good fight. May your soul find eternal peace in the bosom of the Almighty.”
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