Vice Admiral Gambo (Rtd) describes Buhari as a father figure, patriotic leader, and steadfast supporter of the Nigerian military

Retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, former Chief of the Naval Staff, has paid a heartfelt tribute to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a towering figure in Nigeria’s national history whose legacy will endure for generations. Gambo, who served as the 21st Indigenous Chief of Naval Staff from 2021 to 2023, remembered Buhari as a leader marked by discipline, integrity, and a deep commitment to public service.

In a tribute released on Monday, Gambo said President Buhari’s passing represents not just a loss to his immediate family, but to the entire nation. “He served with unmatched devotion and dignity. As a soldier, he stood tall with courage and incorruptibility. As President, he exemplified selfless patriotism and fortitude,” the retired naval chief said.

Gambo reflected on his personal interactions with Buhari, particularly his appointment as Chief of Naval Staff in January 2021, a role he described as one of the greatest honours of his life. He recalled the Navy’s Presidential Fleet Review in Lagos in May 2023, just days before Buhari left office, as the President’s last major military engagement and a testament to his commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Navy.

“He gave us the space and confidence to fulfil our mandate,” Gambo noted. “He supported us not only with words but with action—investing in personnel welfare and the acquisition of new military hardware.”

Describing Buhari as both a Commander-in-Chief and a father figure, Gambo praised his honesty, humility, and commitment to anti-corruption. He said Buhari’s austere lifestyle and compassion for the underprivileged were central to his leadership style. “His integrity was his enduring signature,” Gambo said. “He remained unmoved by transient gains and stood firm in service to the country.”

The retired Admiral also shared a personal anecdote about his late mother, who deeply admired Buhari and was overjoyed when her son was appointed naval chief by the former president. He recalled her emotional visit to Buhari after he left office, describing it as one of her most cherished moments.

“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,” Gambo said.

He concluded by praying for Almighty Allah to grant President Buhari Aljannah Firdaus and comfort to his family and the nation. “He served with honour, left with dignity, and will be remembered as one of Nigeria’s most consequential leaders,” the tribute read.