Ex-CDS recounts relationship with Buhari in glowing tribute

By Ayox Ojo

Former Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS) General Lucky E. O. Irabor (Rtd) has said he was profoundly grateful for the opportunity he had to serve in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari who died last Sunday.

Irabor said this while recounting his relationship with the late Buhari, praising the late President’s leadership, discipline, and deep commitment to Nigeria’s unity and security

The former CDS said the news of the death of Buhari came to him and his family as a profound shock and source of deep sorrow while noting that “millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora feel the same sense of loss.”

He recalled that he never met Buhari in person until his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff on January 26, 2021, though 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.

He also recalled his first meeting with the late President and what he told him: “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.”

He described the late President as a “soldier’s soldier” and a deeply principled leader whose leadership style 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.”

Irabor also hailed Buhari’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces, despite limited national resources.

He said 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.”

“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.

“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.”Afrobeats merchandise

“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.”

“May you find comfort in the knowledge that your husband, father, and friend served with honour, courage, and integrity.”

“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.”