Video of Major General Muhammadu Buhari's activities in 1984 (Part 2)
naptu2: This video begins with a report that Nigeria will support the proposal to form an informal organisation of petroleum exporting countries in Africa if the proposal would not undermine OPEC. The chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters, Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon stated this when he received a delegation from the Algerian Government. He also said that Nigeria would stand by the decision of the OAU on the problems in Chad and Western Sahara. The Algerian delegation delivered a goodwill message from the Algerian President, wishing the new government success in its revolutionary efforts to resuscitate the Nigerian economy.
The next report was about the continuation of General Buhari's tour of the army divisions in the country. This time he visited Ibadan and Enugu. This time it looks like Godfrey Odu began his report from the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport 9I can't say for certain).
General Buhari flew to Ibadan on a special Nigeria Airways flight with the call sign WT 001.
(Nigerian heads of state used Nigerian Airways flights when they were travelling a long distance. It was President Shehu Shagari that started the practice of having a Presidential Air Fleet. If I remember correctly, Nigeria Airways inherited the WT call sign from the West Africa Airways Corporation. It also used the call sign Nigeria.
For a long time the call sign of the president's plane was Nigeria 001. It is now NAF 001).
Buhari was accompanied on the trip by Babangida and Aikhomu. Sani Abacha was the GOC 2 Mechanised Division, Ibadan, so he was at the Ibadan Airport to receive Buhari. Governor Oladayo Popoola was also at the airport (I wonder why Godfrey Odu keeps referring to him as Oladipo).
In Enugu, the Anambra State governor, Allison Madueke and the GOC 82 Division, YY Kure, were at the airport to receive Buhari. Zamani Lekwot, who was the outgoing GOC, was also at the airport.
Then, back at the studio, John Momoh introduces a report about General Buhari's address to military officers in Lagos.
Godfrey Odu presents the report about the meeting which took place at the Air Force Mess on Victoria Island. You can see General Buhari getting down from one of the Shagari Benz cars.
The next report is about a meeting between General Buhari and police chiefs from all over the country. He met police officers from the rank of commissioner upwards. The meeting was held at the Council Chambers at Dodan Barracks. You can see Gambo among the police chiefs (of course Etim Inyang is in front).
Next was a report about Idiagbon receiving the outgoing Portuguese ambassador. The ambassador asked if Portugal could buy more oil from Nigeria, but Idiagbon replied that it would depend on the OPEC quota.
Then John Momoh (in the studio) introduces a report about the wreath laying ceremony to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Although the ceremony was held at the Cenotaph at Tafawa Balewa Square, Godfrey Odu began his report from the carpark outside the Council Chamber at State House, Dodan Barracks.
There was the Last Post, then Buhari, Idiagbon, Bali, Babangida, Aikhomu, Alfa and Etim Inyang laid their wreaths.
Aha! And now, at the 9:53 minute mark, is what I told you about earlier.
The new government was taking measures to ensure that retail prices of essential commodities became stable within the next month or two. The chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters, Tunde Idiagbon, met with business leaders at State House Marina and said that the new government planned to keep in close touch with the private sector on matters that affected the economy.
Once again, although the meeting held at State House, Marina, Godfrey Odu began his report from outside the Council Chamber at State House, Dodan Barracks.
You can see Dr Bola Kuforiji-Olubi (I think she was still CEO of Bewac at this time) and I think that's Michael Ibru beside her.
Idiagbon said that the new administration knew that the private sector had suffered greatly from the economic crisis caused by the previous government and that the nation's commercial and industrial base was marked by retrenchment and shut downs. He said that he was aware that it was difficult to find any industry in Nigeria that was operating at above 50% capacity. He said that they were reorganising the import licence procedure, so that local industries would get priority in order to maximise the production of goods and services.
He said that it was clear that Nigeria did not have enough foreign exchange to meet all its import needs and therefore, the foreign exchange that was available must first be utilised in keeping local industries in as full a level of production as possible, before any consideration is given to the importation of finished commodities. He says that this would have the dual advantage of creating jobs and improving the supply of essential commodities. He said that the government was committed to keeping Nigerians employed in their own country, rather than created jobs abroad for goods that can be produced locally.
However, he said that the economic crisis should not only be blamed on the ousted government and the private sector, but that the business community also contributed to the problem. He said that he is aware that some businesses have charged one price for their products, while giving receipts to customers that bear a different price (which is different from the actual amount paid). He said that others divert goods to unestablished distributors (I believe that he is referring to hoarders), thus defeating the ends of retail price maintenance. He said that this must stop.
He said that he is placing the responsibility on the shoulders of the business leaders to do everything humanly possible to ensure that retail prices are maintained and that customers get value for money.
You can see the gigantic figure of Alhaji Alhaji when the president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce was responding.
Godfrey Odu ends his report at Dodan Barracks (look behind him. I think that's one of Shagari's G-Wagons).
naptu2: Clips of NTA News bulletins from January/February 1984 (part 2).
Video of Major General Muhammadu Buhari's activities in 1984.
naptu2: These clips are not from the same broadcast. They are from several NTA Network News broadcasts from January 1984 and they are about the activities of the new head of state, Major General Muhammadu Buhari. I previously posted the videos in 2020, but I didn't explain what was in them. Now I'm going to provide details of what is contained in the videos.
Video 1
The video begins with the end of Godfrey Odu's report about the new head of state, Major General Buhari's briefing of members of the diplomatic corps at State House, Marina.
Back at Dodan Barracks, General Buhari swore in Paul Omu and Salihu Ibrahim as members of the SMC. The other members of the SMC were sworn in the day before, but Omu and Salihu Ibrahim were not present then.
Gray Longe was also sworn in as secretary to the Federal Military Government and head of Service.
The military governors that were sworn in included Jerry Useni (Bendel), Sani Sami (Bauchi) and John Atom Kpera (Benue). Also sworn in were Abubakar Waziri (Borno), *Edet Akpan Archibong (Cross River), Muhammadu Jega (Gongola), Ike Nwachukwu (Imo), Usman Muazu (Kaduna), Hamza Abdullahi (Kano), Adebola Latinwo (Kwara), Gbolahan Mudasiru (Lagos), David Mark (Niger) and Oladipo Diya (Ogun). Bamidele Otiko (Ondo), Oladayo Popoola (Oyo), Bitrus Samuel Atukum (Plateau) and Garba Duba (Sokoto State) were also sworn in as governors. The governors for Rivers and Anambra states had not been sworn in.
(The mention of Navy Captain Edet Akpan Archibong almost did my head in. My mind refused to accept the name. It kept screaming that the governor of Cross River State in 1984 was Dan Archibong, not Edet Akpan Archibong. But there it was in the report. They said that the governor was Edet Akpan Archibong. Something must be wrong. Then it occurred to me that Dan Archibong was an army officer, while this guy in the video was a naval officer. Anyway, Google came to my rescue. It said that Navy Captain Edet Akpan Archibong was governor of Cross River State from January to May 1984 and then Colonel Dan Archibong took over and was governor from 1984-1986. That explains it!).
The ceremony was held at the Council Chambers at Dodan Barracks.
General Buhari said that the success of the administration would depend to a great extent on the performance of the governors. He said that the governors would have to submit reports in 4 months and he also said that he hoped that all arears of salaries and government debts would have been cleared by then.
He said that the governors were answerable to the chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters and that the governors should submit the lists of people that they wish to appoint as commissioners to him. He said that the governors should appoint one commissioner from each of the 9 local governments in their states and where the state has more than 9 local governments, the commissioners should be appointed in a way that would ensure that all parts of the state are represented.
He said that the persons that would be appointed as commissioners must not have taken active part in partisan politics, for example, as a chairman or secretary of a political party. He also said that there must be at least one woman among the commissioners that would be appointed in each state.
He said that the SMC had decided that the number of local governments in each state shall be limited to the number spelt out in the 1979 constitution and that the local governments that were created for political reasons by the ousted administration would not be recognised.
He said that since the new administration was determined to revive the economy, there was no justification for funds that are meant to be used at the local governments for the procurement of drugs, payment of teachers salaries, etc. to be used to pay salaries and allowances of local government chairmen and their aides in the new local governments that were created by the ousted administration.
General Buhari also told the governors to take immediate action on all pending cases of armed robbery and to send him reports about them.
Then we see Godfrey Odu outside the entrance to the Council Chambers and he said that General Buhari made it clear that governors would not be addressed as, "Your excellency", neither would there be any such personifications as, "My administration" or "My government".
Then we see John Momoh in the NTA News studio. He says that General Buhari gave facts and figures about Nigeria's internal and external debts. This was at his first press conference which was held at State House, Marina. Godfrey Odu presented the report.
Although the press conference took place at State House, Marina, Godfrey Odu actually began his intro from State House, Dodan Barracks. I was surprised when, in recent years, some people claimed that they never showed Dodan Barracks on TV. They showed it virtually everyday on the news!
General Buhari began his press conference by criticising the mounting debt, budget deficits and irresponsible spending of the Shagari Administration. He also talked about that Nigeria was hooked on imports. He said that out of every naira of new money that was created, around 68 kobo was spent on imports. He said that every increase in oil revenue was followed by import liberalisation the following year and a jump in imports. On the other hand, when oil revenues fall, it takes a much longer time for imports to adjust. He also said that the government planned to adopt measures that would cut down on government spending.
A journalist asked if government parastatals and agencies would operate as commercial entities and General Buhari replied that he could not answer that question at that time, but he emphasised that import licences would be given to genuine importers, rather than the situation in the previous regime when licenses were used for political patronage and given to political thugs who sold it to industrialists. He said that import licences are meant to be free and to be given to manufacturers so that they could import raw materials in order to produce goods in Nigeria. On the question of a return to democracy, he said that the SMC would have to meet in order to take a decision on a timetable for a return to civilian rule.
He also said that President Shagari was in Lagos and that he was hale and healthy and he debunked a newspaper report that Shagari had been flown into Lagos in handcuffs.
General Buhari was flanked by the chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters, General Idiagbon and the secretary to the Federal Military Government, Mr Gray Longe.
We see the NTA News studio once more, but I can't remember the name of the newscaster (it's right at the edge of my mind). The newscaster says that a new governor had been sworn in for Rivers State and the governor was Fidelis Oyakhilome (a commissioner of police). The governor of Anambra State, Navy Commander Allison Madueke.
Then it was back to Godfrey Odu at Dodan Barracks for the report.
Back in the studio, we see John Momoh and he introduces a report about General Buhari's tour of military formations in Jos and Kaduna.
This time Godfrey Odu did not begin his report from the grounds of State House Dodan Barracks.
Before leaving Kaduna, General Buhari paid a condolence visit to the family of Brigadier Bako who died in the coup.
Remember that General Buhari was commander of the 3rd Armoured Division in Jos before he became head of state. His visit to Jos gave him the opportunity to properly hand over to his successor.
naptu2: Clips of NTA News bulletins from January/February 1984 (part 1).
Many Nigerian videotapes are usually not well kept and so the quality of historical Nigerian videos are usually very poor. This one is actually better than most. It has deteriorated a bit, but not by much.
MaziObinnaokija: His WAR AGAINST INDISCIPLINE. HIS HONESTY LIFESTYLE HE CAPSURE THAT FAMOUS ESN,UGM COMMANDER IN KENYA(I DNT KNW HIS NAME ). REST ON OLD SOLDIER
Thank you very much for reminding me to include a photo of the WAI badge. I was going to include it, then I forgot.
He directed the Army, Navy, and Airforce to buy all their vehicles from Innoson Motors, an Igbo company in Igboland. He constructed the 2nd Niger Bridge. He supported NOI to DG of WTO.
The biggest infrastructural projects in the Southwest and Southeast regions since 99 (Lag-Ib rail and 2nd Niger bridge respectively) were carried out during his tenure of President Buhari. This is not to say his tenure was that commendable.
Late Gen Buhari will be remembered for the completion of Lagos-Ibadan express way, Ikorodu - Isagamu express way, second Niger bridge etc may Allah forgive his shortcoming 🙏
Video: Muhammadu Buhari as Governor of North-Eastern State and Governor of Borno State (after North-Eastern State was broken up) : 1975 - 1976 at the National Council of States meeting with General Murtala Muhammad.
I wish Muhammadu Buhari rest in peace on his passing for two reasons; humanity sake and, his completion of Makurdi-Abuja road and 2nd Niger Bridge. His recruitment of some terrible ministers tainted him badly..the failures know themselves. RIP PMB
The way some people are talking, you will wonder if they prefer former President Buhari to have used the money for building 2nd Niger bridge to instead subsidize rice 🍚 like in the days of PDP
Nigerians have to make up their minds on what they really want
For the July rematch. It was revenge served cold and it was really satisfying.
For the sacrifices during two global recessions and a global pandemic. Not a single Civil servant was sacked. States got bail out funds to keep their staff so did private companies.
Millions of Individuals got #COVIDー19 loans (I got too) to cushion the effect of the pandemic on Nigerians.
For military hardware which made the war on terror easier and gave our gallant officers a chance to fight. Our military went from ragtag to top fire.
For Lagos Ìbàdàn express way. For Lagos Ìbàdàn rail. For Ibi Bridge in Taraba, Ikon Bridge in Cross River, Loko-Oweto Bridge in Benue, Kashimbila-Takum-Chanchangi Bridge in Taraba, and Bodo-Bonny Bridge in Rivers.
For the new look Airports.
For fighting for Nigeria, for believing that we can be all we can be. For being a person of history and perhaps destiny.
It is not an important bridge. Nevertheless, the owners of the bridge say it was Johnathan that built it. I left it out deliberately. There's nothing of significance from those parts. Let's focus on regions that matter.
Ler us a take a few step backward from 1999 till date. Come with me as I try not to distort history.
1: PDP was in govt for 16 years (1999-2015) in those years we've had 3 presidents. For those 16 yrs only 1 was singled out for praise becos
we bought fuel at a more cheaper rates and USD was low (what we didn't know was we were enjoying our future by subsidising oil and USD) for 16 years Ibadan-osun road, Ikd-sagamu road, port Harcourt-aba road and our educational system was in abysmal, our foreign reserves depleted
we were one of the highest debtors in IMF. Incessant ASUU strike, Boko haram started their evil actions under PDP govt, electricity was nothing to write home about.... All this happened under PDP govt. In 2015 APC took over under the leadership of PMB and our railway system was brought back to life, those above mentioned roads were fixed, second naija bridge completed, boko haram decimated and were either arrested, killed or forced back to the Sahara desert and neighbouring countries. These are facts that are glaring. Is Buhari truly a bad leader?
President Muhammadu Buhari gave us what others before him couldn't such as 1-Completed GEJ projects 2-Npower 3-2nd Niger bridge -MBB 4-Malami 5-farmer-tradr monie 6-AKK gas pipeline 6-Warri-Itakpe train 7-Lagos Ibadan Rd 8-Abuja-kad-kano 9-Welfare for CS 10-Tucano jets etc
30. Ariaria Market Electrification Project (The Federal Government is implementing its Energizing Economies Programme, which will bring stable and reliable electricity to all the 37,000 shops in Ariaria Market, by providing the Market with a gas-powered IPP) (ongoing)
Ariaria Market Independent Power Plant, to power the 37,000 shops in the Market, under the Federal Government’s Energizing Economies Programme.
31. Federal Government’s Energizing Education Programme being implemented in Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi; and Nnamdi Azikwe University — Awka Campus, Anambra. The Programme will provide these Universities with an Independent Power Plant, as well as upgrade existing distribution infrastructure, and also provide street-lighting.
32. Completed Ikot Ekpene — Alaoji — Ugwuaji Switching Station and Transmission Line
33. Construction of Modern Medical Diagnostic Centre at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia (FMCU) (ongoing)
10. Completed Nnamdi Azikiwe Mausoleum (contract originally awarded in 1996, abandoned at various times, Buhari Administration revived the project in 2016, and completed it in 2018).
Picture 4 : Nnamdi Azikiwe Mausoleum, Anambra State, originally awarded in 1996, completed in 2018.
34. Enyimba City Special Economic Zone: Definitive Agreements signed between Federal Government, Abia State Government and Enyimba City Development Company Limited on December 7, 2018
35. Presidential Fertilizer Initiative — has led to the revival of the Ebonyi State Fertiliser and Chemical Company Limited (EFCCL), creating jobs and boosting the supply of fertilizer in the Southeast.
36 Social Investment Programme: 68,000 N-Power Beneficiaries across the 5 States of the South East; the School Feeding Programme has kicked off in all 5 States of the Southeast.
37. Pensions paid to Retired War-Affected (Ex-Biafran) Police: In 2017, the Buhari Administration paid 500 million Naira to clear pensions arrears that had not been paid since their presidential pardon in 2000.
38. Federal University of technology Babura
39. Federal University of Health Science Azare
40 Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru
41. Six Federal polytechnics across the six geopolitical zones
42. Several Digital Training Capacity Centre's across the six geopolitical zones
43. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) sets up various operations across the country to enhance security. These include the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, tagged Operation HADIN KAI covering the North East region; the JTF SS, tagged Operation DELTA SAFE covering the South South region; the JTF NW, known as Operation HADARIN DAJI covering the North West region; Operation SAFE HAVEN covering Plateau, parts of Kaduna and Bauchi States; Operation WHIRL STROKE covering Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States; JTF SW, referred to as Operation AWATSE and covering Lagos and Ogun States; Operation THUNDER STRIKE covering Abuja-Kaduna Highway and Operation WHIRL PUNCH covering parts of Kaduna State.
For those inquiring about the funeral prayer for the former President, Baba Buhari, I have received confirmation that the President's remains will depart London at 6 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, and arrive at Katsina airport around 12 noon. Therefore, the funeral will likely take place from 2 p.m. tomorrow. May Allah grant him a place in Jannatul Firdaus alongside our departed parents, family members, and loved ones.
President Bola Tinubu will personally receive the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari upon arrival in Katsina, when Vice President Kashim Shettima brings the body back home from London. The President will then accompany the body to Daura for the burial rites.
This evening at @FMINONigeria I held a press conference on the State funeral arrangements for the late President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR @MBuhari, as directed by President @officialABAT.
We pray for the repose of the soul of the elderstatesman and former President.
This evening at @FMINONigeria I held a press conference on the State funeral arrangements for the late President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR @MBuhari, as directed by President @officialABAT.
We pray for the repose of the soul of the elderstatesman and former President. pic.twitter.com/ksVRUN3dvw
— Mohammed Idris, FNIPR (@HMMohammedIdris) July 14, 2025
TEXT OF MY PRESS BRIEFING ON THE BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (GCFR)
Monday 14th July, 2025
Gentlemen of the Press, good afternoon.
Following deliberations by the Federal Government on the burial arrangements for our departed former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, I am here to brief you on the outcomes of those discussions and the national programme of events that will follow.
To ensure a dignified and well-coordinated programme, the President has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the State Burial, in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the family of the former President.
The Committee, is chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON. Other members are:
i. Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
ii. Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
iii. Honourable Minister of Defence;
iv Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
v. Honourable Minister of Works
vi. Honourable Minister of Interior
vii. Honourable Minister of FCT
viii. Minister of Housing and Urban Development
ix. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare;
x. Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy.
xi. National Security Adviser
xii. Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination
xiii. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters;
xiv. Inspector General of Police
xv. Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS)
xvi. Chief of Defence Staff
The Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), will serve as the Secretariat to the Committee.
Participation of FEC Members:
Twenty-five (25) members of the Federal Executive Council have been directed to proceed to Katsina to participate in the full schedule of the burial rites and remain for the Third-Day Prayers in Daura on Wednesday, 16th July, 2025.
As we prepare to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen, the Federal Government urges all Nigerians to join in prayers and reflection for the repose of the soul of our former leader.
Postponement of FEC Meeting:
The Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 15th July 2025, has been rescheduled to Friday, 18th July 2025.
Declaration of National Mourning:
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has declared seven (7) days of National Mourning which commenced on Sunday, 13th July 2025. During this period, the National Flag will fly at half-mast across the country. All State Governments and the private sector are hereby directed to comply accordingly. In addition, the President has declared tomorrow, Tuesday, a Public Holiday.
Repatriation of the Former President’s Remains:
A high-level Federal Government delegation, led by the Vice-President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, is currently in London to conclude documentation and logistical arrangements for the repatriation of the former President’s remains. The remains of the former president is expected to arrive in Katsina by 12 noon tomorrow Tuesday.
Military Ceremony and Jana’iza in Daura:
Upon arrival in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will personally receive the remains of the former President in Katsina. The remains will thereafter proceed to Daura, where the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) will take place, followed by interment at the late President’s residence.
Condolence Registers:
The President has directed that Condolence Registers be opened in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Additional registers will be opened at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, as well as at Nigerian Embassies and Missions abroad.
International Condolences:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to receive messages of sympathy from Heads of State and Governments around the world, reflecting the global stature and legacy of the late President Buhari.
FG DECLARES TUESDAY, 15 JULY, 2025 PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN HONOUR OF LATE FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI
In futherance to the seven days of National mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15 July, 2025, as a Public Holiday in honour of the late former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The Minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.
“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the Minister said.
He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
As earlier announced, the National flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday 13th July, 2025.
The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM, upon arrival in London, met with and condoled with the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari @MBuhari in London.
The Vice President also visited the late President's nephew, Malam Mamman Daura, who is recuperating in a London hospital.
The condolence visits were conducted while the Vice President awaits the conclusion of procedures and documentation for the repatriation of former President Buhari's body to Nigeria.
Vice President Shettima is accompanied by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila @femigbaja; Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum @ProfZulum; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar @YusufTuggar; and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia @hadejia.