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<p>By Saidu Zakari Garun Babba</p><div class="ll2jmjsX" style="clear:both;float:left;width:100%;margin:0 0 20px 0;"><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

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<p>I was serving as Director General in the Kano State Government House, a position graciously entrusted to me by the then youthful and amiable civilian Governor, Arch. Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya. At the federal level, following the resignation of Chief Ernest Shonekan as Head of the Interim National Government, the then Minister of Defence, General Sani Abacha, assumed leadership of the country. In the wake of this transition, Colonel Muhammad Abdullahi Wase (of blessed memory) was appointed Military Administrator of Kano State, taking over from Governor Kabiru Gaya. This shift in governance took place in November 1993, and I found myself deeply involved in the intricate workings of the new military administration.</p>
<p>In December 1993, Colonel Wase received a direct order from the Commander-in-Chief, General Abacha, to visit General Muhammadu Buhari in Daura and persuade him to join the military administration to help move the country forward. I had the rare privilege of accompanying Colonel Wase on this historic visit to Buhari’s private residence.</p>
<p>The General Buhari I personally met was remarkably composed, humble, and confident. In his quiet sitting room, he was joined by his former primary school classmate, Alhaji Hamisu Buhari Daura, the current Barde Kerarriya of Daura. Although the discussion between Colonel Wase and Buhari remained private, it opened the door for Buhari’s eventual meeting with General Abacha — a meeting that culminated in Buhari’s appointment as Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). The remarkable impact of Buhari’s leadership at the PTF is now part of our national development history. May Allah reward him abundantly for his selfless service to Nigeria and humanity.</p>
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<p>The second time I had the honour of meeting the late General Buhari was in 1997, when I accompanied General Tunde Idiagbon (former Chief of Staff and Buhari’s Number 2 during the 1984–1985 military regime) to the wedding ceremony of Buhari’s first daughter in Daura. Buhari was visibly pleased to see us, especially his former comrade in uniform. We were warmly received and treated with heartfelt hospitality. It was not long after this gathering that General Idiagbon sadly passed away — a loss deeply mourned by Buhari.</p>
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<p>What struck me on both occasions was Buhari’s simplicity and humility. Despite being a former Head of State and retired General in the Nigerian Army, he lived in a modest home with only one orderly who doubled as a cleaner. His military entitlements and pension were only restored following the visit by Colonel Wase and his briefing to the Commander-in-Chief, General Abacha.</p>
<p>I conclude this reflection by praying for the soul of President Muhammadu Buhari to rest in perfect peace. May Allah also grant Jannatul Firdaus to the souls of General Sani Abacha, General Tunde Idiagbon, and Colonel Muhammad Abdullahi Wase.</p>
<p>Looking back now, I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed these moments in Nigerian history firsthand.<br />
He wasn’t just a national figure — in that moment, Buhari was simply a man of principle, living humbly.</p>
<p>If you also had an encounter with Buhari or one of these iconic figures, feel free to share if it resonates.<br />
Let’s keep our history alive.</p>
<p>Saidu Zakari Garun Babba<br />
Writes from Nassarawa GRA, Kano.</p>
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