Former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has opened up on how some influential figures within the corridors of power bypassed his office to gain direct access to the former president.
Gambari, who served from 2020 to 2023, disclosed this during a recent lecture titled “Leadership and Public Policy: Reflections on Public Service at the National and Global Levels” delivered at the Public Lecture and Fellowship Investiture of the Society for International Relations Awareness (SIRA) in Abuja.
He revealed that despite his senior role, certain individuals managed to smuggle memos and policy documents directly to President Buhari without his knowledge or approval.
“In spite of being Chief of Staff, I discovered that some people were bypassing my office and taking documents straight to the President,” Gambari said. “Sometimes, he would even call me to discuss a memo I hadn’t seen.”
Describing the experience as frustrating, the seasoned diplomat stressed that this type of administrative breach undermined the official communication channels and weakened the office of the Chief of Staff.
“I went to him and said, ‘Sir, I cannot be effective in this role if people are allowed to jump the protocol and bring papers directly to you without passing through my office,’” he recounted. “He acknowledged the concern and promised to look into it.”
Gambari’s revelation confirms long-standing suspicions about the influence of so-called “cabals” in Buhari’s inner circle—an issue that dogged his administration and was often cited by critics and insiders alike.
Speaking further, the former Minister of External Affairs under General Muhammadu Buhari’s military regime emphasized that the role of a Chief of Staff is critical in maintaining order, discipline, and structure within the presidency. He added that sidestepping such a key office not only fuels administrative inefficiency but also breeds distrust and confusion.
He also touched on the broader implications for public service, warning against entrenched interests that often derail governance by manipulating access to power.
“It is important that institutions and offices are respected to ensure proper governance,” Gambari stated.
Known for his decades-long diplomatic career, including his service as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and as UN Under-Secretary-General, Professor Gambari used the platform to urge public servants to prioritize integrity, discipline, and due process in their duties.
The lecture was part of SIRA’s commitment to promoting excellence in foreign policy and public administration.
