By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd.), has urged Nigerians to close ranks in defence of the country’s sovereignty and national dignity amid a legal proceeding in the United States concerning the possible release of documents relating to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Buratai made the call 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 matter should not be treated solely as a personal legal issue involving the President, but as one that could have wider implications for Nigeria’s international reputation and national interests. According to him, the documents reportedly relate to investigations dating back more than three decades, raising questions about the relevance and potential impact of information concerning events from such a distant period.

Buratai said the United States District Court for the District of Columbia had fixed August 28, 2026, for Tinubu, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of Justice to respond to issues surrounding the possible release of the documents. He said the FBI’s description of some information as “highly sensitive” and its request for a private judicial review made the development significant, but stressed that Nigerians should approach it from the standpoint of national interest.

“We are not protecting Tinubu; we are protecting ourselves,” Buratai said, warning that any negative international publicity surrounding a sitting Nigerian president could affect perceptions of ordinary Nigerians, businesses and institutions abroad. He expressed concern that sensational media reports and social media narratives could overshadow Nigeria’s achievements in areas such as business, technology, academia, sports and the creative industries, while also potentially affecting investment, tourism, diaspora relations and international business.

The former Army chief maintained that accountability should not be compromised, but argued that questions concerning the conduct of Nigerian leaders should be addressed through appropriate constitutional, legal and institutional processes. “We did not elect an American court to vet our leaders. We did not ask the FBI to determine the character of our president,” he said, urging stronger Nigerian institutions capable of handling matters involving public office holders. He also called for diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States, stronger legal representation, public education and a coordinated communication strategy in the event of any disclosure.

Buratai further urged political leaders across party lines to avoid turning the issue into a partisan confrontation, particularly with the 2027 presidential election approaching. He called on Nigeria to prepare for all possible outcomes of the proceedings while protecting its national interests and reputation. “Nigerians must resist this not because we blindly support any leader but because we love our nation,” he said, urging citizens to distinguish between support for an individual and the broader responsibility of protecting the dignity and interests of the Nigerian state. Buratai served as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021.