“I Never Met Buhari Before He Appointed Me CDS” – Lucky Irabor

Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lucky Irabor has revealed that he had never met former President Muhammadu Buhari before his appointment to the military’s top position. Irabor was appointed CDS by Buhari in January 2021 and confirmed by the Senate two months later.

In a statement reflecting on Buhari’s recent passing, Irabor described the late president as a disciplined and fair-minded leader who valued sound judgment and superior arguments, particularly on matters of national security. Buhari died on Sunday in a London hospital after a prolonged illness. He served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.

Reacting to Buhari’s death, Irabor said the news came as a profound shock to him and his family, adding that the loss is shared by millions of Nigerians at home and abroad. He described Buhari as “a good man” and recalled that, prior to his appointment, he only knew Buhari from afar—through history, the media, and the respect he commanded within military circles.

Irabor recounted his first encounter with Buhari after being named CDS, saying the president told him, “I have never met you before, but I have heard of your performance.” He said Buhari’s support for the armed forces was unwavering and always delivered within the country’s means.

Irabor praised Buhari’s leadership style, saying the former president placed trust in the military’s judgment and capacity. “He believed in us that failure was not an end; it was a lesson to be learned—a steppingstone to future success,” Irabor stated.