Malik Yahya/
In a reflection on sacrifice, patriotism, and the fragile state of Nigeria’s democracy, retired military officer Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar has dedicated his recently conferred Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award to dozens of unsung heroes of the June 12 pro-democracy struggle within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
While expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the honour, Umar said he was initially reluctant to accept it alone, knowing many of his fellow officers risked careers and lives to defend Chief MKO Abiola’s mandate and push Nigeria toward democracy.
“My first reaction was: why only me and not all those unsung heroes?” Umar said. “Although I was one of the leaders of that movement within the military, my contribution was by no means bigger than theirs.”
He then proceeded to publicly name and honour many of those he described as “anonymous patriots,” acknowledging their quiet but critical roles in resisting the military annulment of the 1993 presidential election.
Among the key officers he recognised are:
Col MA Garba, his deputy at the Armoured Corps Centre and School, who continued the pro-democracy mission after Umar’s arrest in 1993.
Lt Cols Lawal Jaafaru Isa, UF Ahmed, MS Dasuki, ML Gwadabe, J Temlong, Musa Shehu, Chris Eze, HM Dzarma, Isa Jibrin, JOS Oshanupin, A Oloruntoba (now Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom), Moke, Happy Bulus, and Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
Cols J Okai and E. Ndubueze.
Lt Cols Yakubu Muazu and Yahaya Abubakar (now Etsu Nupe).
Major Saad Abubakar, now the Sultan of Sokoto.
Majors Abba Maimalari, Jamil Tahir, Buzugbe, LP Aprezi, MK Yake, J Dawah, Suleiman Wali, Dauda Komo, Lucky Torrie, JS Zaruwa, M Sumaye, Sani Bawa, Ndaliman, Ahmed, and M Bawa.
Lt Col JB Ahmadu, Captains Junaid Bindawa and Lar.
He acknowledged that the list was not exhaustive, apologising to unnamed contributors whose identities remained unknown due to operational divisions.
Umar said the CFR would only carry full meaning if Nigerian democracy delivers real dividends through justice, transparency, and development.
“Leaders must govern with the fear of God and in accordance with the tenets of democracy,” he said. “Nothing should be done to derail this infant democracy.”
He urged the executive, legislature, and judiciary to function independently but cooperatively, warning that failure to do so would endanger national progress.
In what has become his trademark candour, Umar sharply criticised the culture of sycophancy in Nigerian politics, calling it a primary reason for the decline in accountability and the rise of incompetence in high places.
“Men of straw are being falsely elevated to the position of icons by self-seeking sycophants,” he said. “Mr President must lead in a war against sycophancy in all its forms.”
He particularly condemned the naming and renaming of public institutions after serving leaders, describing the trend as vanity that corrupts the spirit of service.
Taking a swipe at the recent claim by Senate President Godswill Akpabio — who said President Tinubu would win the 2027 election with 99.9% of the vote — Umar dismissed it as dangerous flattery disguised as humour.
“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.”
Concluding his piece, the retired colonel — widely respected for his principled stance during the dark days of military rule — offered a prayer:
“God bless Nigeria.”
Umar remains one of the few former military officers consistently calling for democratic deepening and institutional reform, often speaking truth to power with uncommon courage.
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