Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has warned the United States against releasing documents allegedly connected to past investigations involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that such disclosure could damage Nigeria’s international reputation.
Buratai made the comments in a position paper titled “Nigeria First: A Case for Protecting National Sovereignty and Dignity — A Patriotic and Non-Partisan Perspective.” He argued that the controversy should not be treated simply as a personal matter concerning Tinubu but as an issue with wider implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty and global image.
The former Army chief said the records being sought relate to allegations dating back more than three decades. He questioned whether events from such a distant period should outweigh a person’s subsequent decades of public service and political career.
Buratai warned that making the documents public, particularly ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, could have consequences beyond the political fortunes of the President.
According to him, Nigerians should be concerned about how the controversy could affect the country’s international standing, arguing that any negative fallout would ultimately affect ordinary citizens.
“This is not merely about Bola Tinubu; it is about 250 million Nigerians whose national pride, economic prospects, and global standing hang in the balance,” Buratai said.
He urged Nigerians to avoid viewing the matter strictly through the lens of political party affiliation, stressing that national interest and sovereignty should come before partisan considerations.
Buratai also called on the Federal Government to engage the United States through diplomatic channels and ensure that Tinubu’s legal team vigorously challenges any attempt to release sensitive records.
The retired general further urged the government to prepare a communication strategy capable of responding to any information that may eventually become public.
He said Nigerians should defend the country’s image without abandoning the principle of accountability, insisting that the issue should be handled in a manner that protects both national dignity and the rule of law.
The controversy is unfolding in a US legal proceeding concerning requests for historical FBI records relating to Tinubu. Recent reports indicate that the President, the FBI and the US Department of Justice have been involved in proceedings over whether some of the requested records should be disclosed.
Buratai maintained that Nigeria should not allow foreign legal proceedings to define the country’s identity or determine the legacy of its elected leaders.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians across political divides to close ranks and put the country’s national interests first as the legal dispute continues.
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