Dear President Muhammadu Buhari,
The bugle has sounded its final call for you, our General, and though we stand at attention with tears streaming down our battle-hardened faces, we raise our hands in one last, grateful salute. You were the only one who remembered. The only one who cared.
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For decades after laying down our arms, we became ghosts in the nation we bled for. We shuffled between command posts like beggars, swallowing our pride while pleading for the meager pensions owed to us. Even generals – men who once led divisions and brigades- were reduced to waiting for hours in corridors, hoping a junior officer might have time to hear their case. The Nigeria we fought for had forgotten its warriors.
But YOU remembered, Sir.
When you took command, you didn’t just see statistics or budget lines. You saw your brothers. You knew the limit of RCAs, the weight of a rifle at dawn, the silent pain of watching comrades fall. While others made empty promises, you took up our cause as your personal battle.
Before you, no Nigerian leader, not even those who wore the same uniform truly saw us. You were more than a Commander-in-Chief; you were a brother in arms who remembered those who stood in the trenches when others had long moved on.
You, Mr. President, changed everything.
You looked at us and did not see beggars. You saw warriors who had given their best years to Nigeria. You saw dignity where others saw dependency. Under your leadership, gratuity became *robust,* pensions became **regular,* and for the first time, military veterans could stand tall without pleading for “welfare” from serving officers. You restored our pride.
Because of YOU:
– The shameful days of veterans begging for “welfare” ended forever.
– Our pensions now arrive like clockwork, not lottery winnings.
– Our widows can finally look their children in the eye without shame.
– For the first time, we felt like honoured veterans, not discarded soldiers.
Today, when young officers ask why are hands are raised in salute to you, we tell them: *”That General fought for us and them when no one else would.”*
As you report for your final deployment, know this: Thousands of old officers and soldiers stand at attention across Nigeria today. The ones who can still stand straight salute you. The ones who can’t rise from their wheelchairs salute you with trembling hands. The widows you protected salute you through their tears.
Rest now, our General, our Commander-in-Chief. Your watch is over. We have the guard now.
With Eternal Gratitude and Undying Loyalty
GRATEFUL VETERAN
Pte – Gen (retd)
for Nigeria’s Revived Warriors
*P.S.* Tell N/1, young men and women are still making sacrifices. Tell Tunde Idiagbon we still remember. Tell Murtala we kept the flag flying. And when we meet again at that final parade ground, the first round of “fura da nono” is on us, Sir!
May Allah grant you Aljannah Firdaus,.for you were a true commander-in-chief to those who served in silence.
From a Soldier
■ Post published on the X handle of Daddy D.O @DOlusegun at 8.20 am on July 16, 2025
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