By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has described late President Muhammadu Buhari as a firm, resolute and straightforward person.
In a interview on Monday, he said President Buhari’s experiences over the years, as a governor, General Officer Commanding (GOC), as Head of State under military rule, and as a minister, gave him the opportunity to garner all the experiences and knowledge over the years, which was brought to bear during his period as a civilian president.
Buratai said he received total support during his time as Buhari’s Chief of Army Staff between 2015 and 2021.
According to the former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic “I saw in him a true leader, highly disciplined, who is straightforward, always abreast of contemporary situations, and I am glad that I had worked with him in my capacity as Chief of Army Staff”
“The whole nation, not only Katsina State is in mourning, When we came into Katsina earlier today (Monday 14th) we’ve seen less activities, generally it is a sober mood as the people expect the arrival of the corpse on Tuesday 15th July, 2025, to pay their last respect. The whole nation as declared by the federal government is in a mourning mood”
“Despite all the challenges, he believed in my actions, he believed in my directives that I passed to my troops in the field, and also all the exercises and operations that we conducted, he gave me the full support, and it’s a very big motivating factor”
“Similarly, all the operational requirements, especially in the Northeast, were promptly released to the troops, and he never waited for troops to start complaining before they are given what is due to them. He was personally interested, in ensuring that the troops’ salaries and allowances were never delayed, he would be so annoyed if he hears that the troops’ allowances are delayed for a day”
“During his time, salaries were increased, allowances were increased for the troops which is a great motivation. In terms of equipment, he released funds for procurement, and ensure that direct purchases of military equipment were doing through government to government like the Super Tucano of the Nigerian Air Force, as well as training of the troops and capacity building”
He equally highlighted institution established within the army under the leadership drive of the late president to include the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, the Cyber Warfare Command of the Nigerian Army, the Land Forces Simulation Centre, and ths equipping, proper re-kitting of the troops and prompt promotion in order to motivate them.
“He loves regimentation, he appears and attends all functions, military regimental functions. He never missed it, We will always cherish and remember that we had General Muhammadu Buhari, former President, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces”
“We miss him, may Allah grant him eternal rest and paradise. I condole the family, the immediate family, the wife, the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, the children, the relations.
“I also condole the Emir of Daura, the Governor of Katsina State, and of course, our President, Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for this great loss” stated Buratai.
