.Accepts National Honours On Behalf Of 38 Other Rtd Military Officers

Former military governor of Kaduna State from 1985-1988, retired Col Abubakar Dangiwa Umar has advised President Bola Tinubu to shun “oracles and sycophants” who swarm and inundate him with predictions that he would win the 2027 presidential election with 99.9 per cent of votes cast.

Umar’s advice was contained in a statement to formally conveyed his acceptance of the national honours of Commander of the Federal Republic [CFR] conferred on him by the President.

The pro democracy activist said he accepted the national honours on behalf of 38 other military officers with whom he embarked on the enterprise.
He described them as the unsung heroes of the June 12 struggles.

“I therefore accept this award with all sense of humility on behalf of all these officers and men. Obviously, it goes without saying that this award will be doubly more meaningful if the democracy we all fought for delivers the real dividends.

“This can happen only if leaders at all levels govern with the fear of God and in accordance with the tenets of democracy. It remains the hope and prayers of all patriots that nothing is done to derail this infant democracy.

“To achieve the stability and progress of our democracy, leaders must prioritise good governance over politicking for self aggrandizement.

“The three co-equal branches of government must operate independently while cooperating with each other.

“One enduring lesson from the conduct of the officers and men is their decision to operate above sycophancy but to hold their superior officers to account.

“Sadly, this does not appear to have a positive impact on our political leaders. Sycophancy everywhere has become the scourge of selfless and accountable leadership. It is the reason for the arrogance and vanity we see in our leaders at all levels. Men of straw are widely and falsely being elevated to the position of icons by self seeking sycophants.

“Mr President must lead in a war against sycophancy in all its forms. This must allow for no exceptions including the rapidly growing trend of naming and renaming public institutions, facilities and other infrastructure after a President or State Governor while in office.

“The other day, the Senate President was reported to have predicted that President Bola 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.”