Retired Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar has urged President Bola Tinubu to shun sycophancy and dedicate his time to promoting the ideals of democracy.
Umar while accepting the Commander of the Federal RepublicCFR, national honor bestowed on him by Tinubu, dedicated the award to the numerous unsung military heroes who participated in the struggle for the validation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The retired colonel launched a scathing attack on the culture of sycophancy plaguing Nigerian leadership, describing it as “the scourge of selfless and accountable leadership” and “the reason for the arrogance and vanity we see in our leaders at all levels.”
He specifically criticized the trend of naming public institutions after sitting presidents and governors, and took a swipe at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s recent prediction that President Tinubu would win the 2027 election with “99.9% of the votes.”
“Even allowing for the fact that this Senate President is widely known for his humorous incitement, Mr President will do well to shun such oracles,” Col. Umar advised.
In a heartfelt statement following his recognition by President Tinubu, Col. Umar expressed surprise at being singled out for the honor, questioning “why only me and not all those unsung heroes” who risked their careers and lives in the fight for democracy.
The retired colonel emphasized that while he was among the leaders of the pro-democracy movement within the military, his contribution “was by no means bigger than theirs.”
He disclosed that Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12 election, had won over 80% of the Armed Forces votes, demonstrating the widespread military support for the democratic process.
Col. Umar specifically acknowledged his deputy at the Armoured Corps Centre and School, Col. MA Garba, whose “commitment was so strong that he continued with the execution of our plans after some of us were arrested, detained and mercifully retired in October 1993.” Garba later rose to the rank of Major General.
He also listed a number of his colleagues who were sympathetic to the cause of democracy namely the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar; the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
Umar issued a stern warning about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, stating that the award would be “doubly more meaningful if the democracy we all fought for delivers the real dividends.”
He called for leaders at all levels to “govern with the fear of God and in accordance with the tenets of democracy,” emphasizing that good governance must take precedence over “politicking for self-aggrandizement.”
Drawing from his military experience, Col. Umar praised the conduct of officers and men who “decided to operate above sycophancy but to hold their superior officers to account.” He lamented that this principle “does not appear to have a positive impact on our political leaders.”
The veteran officer called on President Tinubu to “lead in a war against sycophancy in all its forms,” with no exceptions, to ensure the stability and progress of Nigeria’s democracy.
Col. Umar stressed the importance of the three co-equal branches of government operating independently while cooperating with each other, and urged that nothing should be done to “derail this infant democracy.”
The CFR recipient concluded his statement with a prayer for Nigeria, expressing hope that the sacrifices made by him and his colleagues during the June 12 struggle would ultimately yield the democratic dividends the nation deserves.
Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd) was a key figure in the military’s pro-democracy movement following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He was among officers who were arrested, detained, and retired in October 1993 for their stance against the military government’s actions.
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