From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The former Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Public Affairs (2019–2023), Ajuri Ngelale, in a tribute to the late leader, emphasised that Buhari was a man who consistently acted according to his convictions, regardless of popular opinion or pressure.
Reflecting on his time working under Buhari, Ngelale said, “His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, was my first boss in public service. He was blessed with grace and unvarnished dignity, and a man who—without exception—always did what he believed was right in every situation.”
This steadfast adherence to principle defined Buhari’s leadership style throughout his life. Ngelale described him as “an honest man of consistent simplicity, spartan discipline, and dogged dedication to the lifelong principles that guided his service as a decorated officer, military head of state, and popularly elected leader of Africa’s largest population.”
He added, “My former boss was a man of method, structure, and exemplary discipline who generations of Nigerians will remember as a leader of unimpeachable personal integrity.”
Ngelale highlighted Buhari’s progressive vision and commitment to Nigeria’s future, noting that the former president was “a relentless champion of the nation’s disadvantaged” who believed deeply in the country’s great destiny.
Despite challenges and criticism, Buhari stayed true to his beliefs, driving reforms and development projects that reflected his values. According to Ngelale: “His legacies of widespread infrastructural provision across rail, road, seaports, airports, and power, and his humane investments in the provision of social amenities, alongside oil and gas sector reforms and the armament upgrades of the nation’s armed forces, amongst many other multifaceted feats, will stand the test of time.”
Ngelale underscored Buhari’s unwavering commitment to doing what he thought was right, regardless of opposition or difficulty: “He will be sorely missed by millions of his dedicated followers, and I shall forever be proud of our association and indebted to him for the opportunity he extended to me to serve the nation we love.”
He concluded with a heartfelt prayer: “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
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