Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has described late President Muhammadu Buhari as a leader who brought his wealth of military and governance experience to bear during his tenure as a civilian president.
Buratai, also a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, stated this on Monday while recounting his working relationship with the late Nigerian Leader. He said Buhari was known for being firm in his decisions, resolute, frank, and direct in his approach to leadership.
The former Army Chief said a key factor in Buhari’s leadership was his ability to motivate by earning the trust of his subordinates. “I saw in him a true leader, highly disciplined, who is straightforward, always abreast of contemporary situations, and I am glad that I worked with him in my capacity as Chief of Army Staff,” he said.
Buratai described the mood in Katsina State and the nation as sombre, ahead of Buhari’s burial. “The whole nation, not only Katsina State, is in mourning. When we came into Katsina earlier today (Monday 14th), we saw fewer activities. Generally, it is a sober mood as people await the arrival of the corpse on Tuesday 15th July 2025 to pay their last respects. The whole nation, as declared by the Federal Government, is in mourning,” he said.
On his personal experience with the late President, Buratai said Buhari always showed belief in his leadership of the Army. “Despite all the challenges, he believed in my actions, he believed in my directives to the troops in the field, and in all the exercises and operations we conducted. He gave me full support, and that was a very big motivating factor,” he stated.
He praised Buhari for his commitment to the welfare of troops. “All the operational requirements, especially in the Northeast, were promptly released. He never waited for troops to start complaining before they got what was due to them. He was personally interested in ensuring that troops’ salaries and allowances were never delayed. He would be so annoyed if he heard that troops’ allowances were delayed for even a day,” Buratai said.
The former Army Chief also noted that Buhari approved salary and allowance increments for troops and ensured direct government-to-government purchases of military equipment, such as the Super Tucano aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force, alongside training and capacity building for the military.
Buratai further highlighted key military institutions established under Buhari’s leadership, including the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, the Cyber Warfare Command, the Land Forces Simulation Centre, the equipping and proper re-kitting of troops, and prompt promotions to boost morale.
“He loved regimentation. He appeared and attended all military regimental functions. He never missed them. We will always cherish and remember that we had General Muhammadu Buhari, former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” Buratai said.
He prayed for the late leader and extended condolences to Buhari’s family, the Emir of Daura, the Governor of Katsina State, and President Tinubu. “We miss him. May Allah grant him eternal rest and paradise. I condole with the family, the immediate family, the wife, the former First Lady Aisha Buhari, the children, the relations. I also condole with the Emir of Daura, the Governor of Katsina State, and of course, our President, Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for this great loss,” Buratai said.
PIAK