A former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (Rtd), has paid a deeply emotional tribute to Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a towering figure of integrity, discipline, and patriotism whose legacy will remain etched in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
In a statement, Gambo, who served as the 21st indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff from 2021 to 2023, reflected on the life and leadership of the former President
The retired naval chief described Buhari’s death as a monumental loss not just to his family but to the entire Nigerian nation.
“As a soldier, General Buhari stood tall with courage, unwavering discipline, and an incorruptible spirit,” Gambo wrote. “As a statesman and former Commander-in-Chief, he embodied the highest ideals of public service, personal sacrifice, and national commitment.”
Gambo recalled his appointment by Buhari in 2021 as one of the most significant honours of his career, noting the former President’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Armed Forces. He cited the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review in Lagos, Buhari’s last major military engagement as a moment of pride and transformation for the Navy under Buhari’s leadership.
“In him, I found not only a Commander-in-Chief but a father figure—firm yet fair, deeply principled, and invested in the growth of those he led,” he added. “His impact on my life and many others in both military and civilian spheres will remain indelible.”
The retired naval chief praised Buhari’s integrity, describing it as his “enduring signature,” and lauded the late President’s austere lifestyle, transparent governance style, and tireless war against corruption. He also highlighted Buhari’s compassion for the poor, noting that his policies consistently reflected a deep concern for the vulnerable.
Adding a personal touch, Gambo recalled how his late mother, a long-time admirer of Buhari, was overjoyed at his appointment and later had the opportunity to visit the former leader after he left office. “She joins the millions of people who now deeply mourn him,” he said.
Gambo concluded his tribute with prayers for Buhari’s eternal rest, saying: “Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every institution he strengthened, every reform he championed, and every life he touched.”
President Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s Head of State between 1983–1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. His legacy, according to Gambo, “is a light that will never fade, Insha Allah.”
RN
