Resist foreign scrutiny over 33-year-old allegations against Tinubu, Buratai tells Nigerians

Former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.) has called on Nigerians to resist foreign interference in the nation's affairs. His statement comes amid moves to release documents allegedly connected to drug-trafficking investigations involving President Bola Tinubu from over three decades ago.

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This is not merely about Bola Tinubu, it is about 250 million Nigerians whose national pride, economic prospects, and global standing hang in the balance.

Buratai published his position paper, titled “Nigeria First: A Case for Protecting National Sovereignty and Dignity – A Patriotic and Non-Partisan Perspective,” on his verified Facebook page. He argued that the controversy should not be allowed to damage Nigeria's international image or undermine its sovereignty. A U.S. District Court has reportedly given Tinubu, the FBI, and the Department of Justice until August 28, 2026, to oppose the release of these documents.

The former Army chief stressed that the issue extends beyond Tinubu's personality, stating, “This is not merely about Bola Tinubu, it is about 250 million Nigerians whose national pride, economic prospects, and global standing hang in the balance.” He expressed concern over the potential consequences of international media coverage, asserting that headlines linking a "Nigerian president" to drug allegations would cause the world to see Nigeria and its citizens negatively.

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When the world reads headlines about a ‘Nigerian president’ linked to drug allegations, they do not separate the man from the nation. They see Nigeria. They see Nigerians.

Buratai urged consideration of the allegations' context, dating back about 33 years, rather than using them to define Tinubu's entire political career. He posed rhetorical questions: “Can any Nigerian honestly claim that they are the same person they were 33 years ago? Can any nation claim that its leaders should be judged exclusively by the actions of their youth rather than by their decades of subsequent service?” He also highlighted Tinubu's political career, including his tenure as Lagos State governor, as a factor in assessing his character and contributions.

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Can any Nigerian honestly claim that they are the same person they were 33 years ago? Can any nation claim that its leaders should be judged exclusively by the actions of their youth rather than by their decades of subsequent service?

Furthermore, Buratai questioned the implication of a foreign court determining the character of a sitting Nigerian President. "Does the United States have the right to determine the reputation of Nigeria’s head of state? Should a foreign court be the arbiter of character for a man elected by millions of Nigerians?" he asked, framing the development as a broader issue of national sovereignty.

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Does the United States have the right to determine the reputation of Nigeria’s head of state? Should a foreign court be the arbiter of character for a man elected by millions of Nigerians?