How cabals bypass me to illegally transmit memos to Buhari – Ex-CoS Gambari
Prof Ibrahim Gambari, the former Chief of Staff to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed instances where members of Buhari’s inner circle evaded his authority by directly submitting memos to the president.
During a discussion on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, Gambari explained that, although Buhari had mandated that all communication be routed through him, some appointees took advantage of the president’s vulnerabilities for informal communication.
“They knew his weak moment, they knew when to smuggle (memos) because they knew him as they interacted with him informally,” Gambari stated.
He held the position of Chief of Staff from May 2020 to May 2023, following the passing of his predecessor, Abba Kyari.
Gambari recalled Buhari’s public directive: “When I came as Chief of Staff to the President, he made a statement publicly.
He said all memos must go through the Chief of Staff before coming to him.” He commended Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for adhering to this protocol, emphasizing how other officials often bypassed it by understanding the president’s susceptible moments.
The former Chief of Staff also addressed the rumors of a powerful cabal operating within Buhari’s administration. He remarked, “They say there was a cabal, there was. Every government has a cabal.
They may call them a kitchen cabinet; they may call them a think tank.” Gambari highlighted that having a circle of trusted advisors is typical in presidential settings, asserting that each administration possesses its unique form of this group.
Reflecting on Buhari’s leadership style, Gambari noted the president’s loyalty to his appointees and his reluctance to dismiss them, stating, “He was deeply loyal to his appointees and reluctant to fire anyone, even in the face of mounting pressure.”
Source: PUNCH
