By Umar Sani
In an era where truth is often buried under a mountain of sycophancy and opportunism, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd) continues to stand tall as a beacon of conscience, moral integrity, and unflinching patriotism. His recent statement following the conferment of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) national honour by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not only a testament to humility, but a rare and bold admonition to the political leadership at all levels.
Rather than bask in the solitary glow and euphoria of recognition, Col. Umar used the moment to spotlight the many unsung heroes in uniform officers who stood by the truth during one of Nigeria’s most difficult democratic struggles the battle to uphold the mandate of Chief MKO Abiola and the sanctity of the June 12, 1993 election. In a selfless gesture that reflects his character, he dedicated the award to those courageous individuals who, like him, risked everything but have remained in the shadows of history.
By drawing attention to these patriots many of whom have faded into anonymity Col. Umar reminded the nation that democracy was not handed over on a platter. It was fought for, even within the military hierarchy, by those whose names may not grace public buildings but whose sacrifices shaped the Nigeria we know today. This act of honouring the forgotten is both noble, novel, and necessary. It is also a subtle but powerful challenge to the government to reexamine how it remembers and rewards true service.
But perhaps more significant was Col. Umar’s bold critique of sycophancy in governance. He denounced the culture of exaggerated praise, premature glorification, and the alarming trend of naming infrastructure after sitting leaders’ acts that symbolize a creeping rot within the political space. His challenge to President Tinubu to lead a war against sycophancy is not merely rhetorical it is a call for a return to values-based leadership, accountability, and truth.
Col. Umar’s voice is not just that of a retired officer it is the voice of a moral compass, a man whose decisions have always been guided by principle rather than personal gain. He sacrificed promotions, privileges, and comfort because he believed in justice. While many of his contemporaries rose to the ranks of Brigadier General and Major General, he remained static as a retired Colonel, not for lack of merit, but because he chose conscience over conformity.
In light of this, the Federal Government must do more than award him a title. Col. Umar deserves to be promoted at least to the rank of Brigadier General or Major General while alive, not just as a reward for past service but as a symbol of the country’s appreciation for uncommon courage and enduring integrity.
Col. Umar embodies the rare fusion of military discipline, spiritual upliftment, and national moral authority. He is deeply respected across regional, religious, and political divides. His words resonate because they are rooted in sincerity, earned from years of sacrifice, and free from partisan motivations.
As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, it must listen to such voices that seek not power or privilege but justice and good governance. In honouring men like Col. Dangiwa Umar, we honour our better angels. We acknowledge that true leadership is not defined by titles or offices held, but by the courage to speak truth to power and the grace to do so with humility.
May his words inspire our leaders to govern with wisdom, our citizens to demand accountability, and our democracy to flourish in dignity and truth.
