A former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), retired Gen. Lucky Irabor, on Wednesday described late President Muhammadu Buhari as a firm but fair leader.
Irabor, in a statement, said Buhari had the humility to yield to superior arguments when convinced by reason, especially on matters of national security.
“The news of the passing of President Buhari came to me and my family as a profound shock and source of deep sorrow.
“I know that we are not alone in this grief, millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora feel the same sense of loss.
“President Buhari was, in every sense, a good man. Before he appointed me as Chief of Defence Staff in Jan. 26, 2021, I had never met him personally.
“Like many Nigerians, I knew him ony from a distance, through the pages of history, the news, and the reverence with which he was spoken of in military circles,” he said.
Irabor recalled that when he was a cadet officer, he admired the former President, saying he had not met a man like him before.
“As an officer cadet in the Nigerian Defence Academy during his tenure as Miitary Head of State, I admired him from afar.
“It was when I was appointed as the CDS, that was when I got to know the man behind the public image.
“In our very first meeting, he looked me in the eye and said, “I have never met you before, but I have heard of your performance.”
Irabor added that he encountered a disciplinary leader in Buhari, saying he was a ‘soldier’s soldier’.
“As Commander-in-Chief, he gave unwavering support to the Armed Forces under my watch, within the limits of the nation’s resources.
“He trusted our judgment and believed in our capacity as I assured him that we would never make excuses.
“He believed in us that failure was not an end; it was a lesson to be learned; a steppingstone to future success,” he said.
Irabor extended his condolences to Dr Aisha Buhari alongside the entire family and friends of the former President.
“On behalf of my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the former Fist Lady, Dr Buhari, the entire family, friends, and all who mourn this national loss.
“May you find comfort in the knowledge that your husband, father, and friend served with dignity, honour, and integrity.
“To 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,” he prayed. (NAN)
