Former National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno has made revelations about the inner workings of the Nigerian Presidency during his tenure. In a newly launched book, “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” Monguno disclosed that certain funds approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari for his office were deliberately withheld by influential individuals within the Presidency. The book, written by Charles Omole, was launched at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Monguno, who served as National Security Adviser from 2015 to 2023, explained that the funding issue arose after he acted on intelligence from the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet. The commander had warned that the company supplying fuel to the fleet was under investigation, posing a potential security risk. Monguno subsequently recommended changing the supplier, a decision that was approved by President Buhari. However, this move allegedly exposed entrenched interests within the Presidency, leading to opposition from powerful figures, including the late Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, and Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura.
According to Monguno, the Minister of Finance was also used to frustrate his office financially, despite Buhari’s approval of funds. This withholding of funds had significant consequences, damaging Nigeria’s security system and causing subscriptions for key security systems and partnerships with foreign agencies to expire. Monguno also claimed that surveillance equipment around the Presidential Villa was affected, as approvals to maintain and upgrade it were repeatedly delayed.
The book also contains accounts from former First Lady Aisha Buhari, who shared her experiences in Aso Rock. She revealed that rumors within the Villa had once led her husband to suspect she wanted to harm him, resulting in changes to his feeding routine and contributing to his illness in 2017. Aisha Buhari attributed her husband’s health struggles to the shift in responsibility for his diet to official handlers after he moved to the Presidential Villa, leading to missed meals and suspended supplements.
These revelations provide insight into the inner workings of the Nigerian Presidency during Buhari’s tenure, highlighting the challenges faced by key officials, including the National Security Adviser. The allegations of petty sabotage and mistrust within the Presidency have significant implications for Nigeria’s security and governance. As the country continues to navigate its complex political landscape, these disclosures may contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors that have shaped its recent history.