Source: Leadership Newspaper (Leadership.ng) — via the official handle @LeadershipNGA
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), has dropped a political bombshell, revealing that the military hierarchy once directed him to thwart the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as governor of Lagos State during Nigeria’s 1999 transition to democracy.
Marwa, who governed Lagos as military administrator from 1996 to 1999, made the startling disclosure in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the public presentation of Buni Boy, a book authored by the late legal icon, Niyi Ayoola-Daniels.
Reflecting on events leading up to the historic 1999 governorship election, Marwa revealed that senior military authorities were uneasy about Tinubu’s soaring popularity and his fierce pro-democracy stance under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
> “Even though the Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, did not interfere in the conduct of the election, the military hierarchy did,” Marwa disclosed.
“After observing Senator Tinubu’s strong campaign, they instructed me to prevent him from becoming governor because of his NADECO activities against the military government. But I chose to conduct a free and fair election that produced the most popular candidate. The rest is history.”
Marwa used the moment to preach unity, describing Nigeria’s diversity as “a gift and a trust” that must be nurtured and protected.
He recounted how his upbringing across Zaria, Enugu, Abeokuta, and Lagos — coupled with his formative years at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria — fostered in him a deep appreciation for cultural harmony.
> “Living in different sociocultural settings taught me early that people of other tongues and traditions are still my own,” he said.
“The Nigerian Army, where I served for over 30 years, strengthened my belief that our diversity enriches us.”
Reminiscing on his years in Lagos, Marwa said the Yoruba people received him warmly despite their political tension with the federal military government at the time. That spirit of inclusion, he noted, motivated him to oversee what is now considered one of the most credible elections in Lagos State’s history.
Nigeria’s Fault Lines Are Self-Inflicted — Marwa Warns
The retired general cautioned that Nigeria’s greatest challenges stem from the mismanagement — not the existence — of its diversity.
> “Our difficulties cannot justify tearing the nation apart,” he warned.
“They should instead push us to repair the fault lines and pursue greater inclusion.”
Honouring a Legacy of Justice and Compassion
Marwa commended Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, widow of the author, for preserving her husband’s legacy through the Buni Yadi Foundation and the publication of Buni Boy.
He said the story — a tale of a troubled young boy transformed by the wisdom of a principled judge — reflects the enduring spirit of justice, unity, and hope that Nigeria must strive to uphold.
The event drew dignitaries from across the country, all gathered to celebrate the life, values, and impact of the late Ayoola-Daniels.
PIONEER NEWS 