Dasuki Said He Never Maltreated Buhari, But History May Be Haunting The Former NSA

ca. 1983-1985, Nigeria — General Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria — Image by © William Campbell/Sygma/Corbis

Immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) has refuted claims that he maltreated President Muhammadu Buhari when he was removed as military Head of State, in a 1985 coup.

“I always respect and dignify my seniors and those in positions of authority whether in service or after. Though a young officer, I was reluctant to be among those that arrested him. And I was not.

“I only met him afterward at Bonny Camp with Lawal Rafindadi. There is no way I could have maltreated him as being alleged in some quarters. I am glad most of the actors are still alive,” he explained to blogger Yushua Shauib in Abuja.

Dasuki also disclosed how he knelt down to beg Chief Bisi Akande, when he was the Chairman of Action Congress Nigeria, ACN, to accept Buhari because “General Buhari is a man to be trusted.”

The ex-NSA also disclosed how he and some others confronted late General Sani Abacha over June 12 election.

“This led to our premature retirement,” he explained. “The persecution that followed forced me into exile, where I teamed up with opposition elements struggling for the return of democracy.”

Dasuki also disclosed how he supported the campaign of Muhammadu Buhari in 2003, 2007 and 2011 presidential elections, noting that Adamu Adamu, Bashir Kurfi, Sule Hamman, Wada Maida and Kabir Yusuf are among individuals that can attest to that.

The former NSA also recalled how prior to the 1983 coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari, himself and two young military officers, who are still alive, travelled to Jos to brief Major General Buhari, who was then the GOC of 3rd Armoured Division, on the furtherance of the planning of the 1983 coup, which made Buhari the major beneficiary.

“Buhari expressed his bitterness about insinuations on his stewardship in one of the public institutions, but I assured the then GOC not to worry about such reckless and mischievous insinuations.”

When asked why he participated in removing Buhari less than two years after ousting Shagari, Dasuki reportedly said Buhari should know who to blame.

Dasuki has been having running battles with the Department of State Services (DSS). He has been accused of corruption, felony and misuse of power and possession of firearms.

Dasuki was one of the four army Majors that arrested Buhari following orders from Gen Ibrahim Babangida. Others were Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, Lawan Gwadabe, Abdulmumuni Aminu.