Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to late President Muhammadu Buhari, has shed light on Buhari's unwavering commitment to tackling insecurity in Nigeria. In a recent interview with Channels Television, Gambari disclosed that Buhari consistently approved military requests for hardware, showcasing his dedication to enhancing the country's security capabilities.
Key Highlights of Gambari's Revelation
- *Approval of Military Hardware Requests*: Gambari stated that there was never a time when the military asked for hardware and Buhari refused, underscoring his commitment to supporting the military.
- Secret Trips to Washington, D.C.: Buhari sent Gambari on two secret trips to Washington, D.C. to negotiate the release of attack helicopters that Nigeria had paid for but were being held up due to human rights concerns.
- *Successful Release of Attack Helicopters*: Gambari revealed that the attack helicopters were eventually released during the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, thanks to Buhari's strong efforts and commitment.
Gambari's Experience with Buhari
Gambari's experience working with Buhari dates back to the 1980s when Buhari ruled Nigeria as a military Head of State. Gambari served as Minister of External Affairs during that period. Later, he was appointed as Chief of Staff to Buhari in May 2020, a position he held until the end of Buhari's administration in May 2023.
Buhari's Leadership Style
Gambari described Buhari as a compassionate leader who deeply cared for his appointees and Nigerians at large. However, he also revealed that Buhari's government had a cabal that would often bypass official channels to get memos approved. Despite this, Gambari said he was able to retrieve the documents for proper processing.¹ ²
Conclusion
Gambari's revelations provide valuable insights into Buhari's commitment to security and his leadership style. As Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, Gambari's account serves as a reminder of the importance of effective leadership and collaboration in addressing these issues.
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