• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

      EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N8bn Fraud as Court Sentences…

      PRNigeria logo fearured image

      EFCC Arraigns Ex-Convict, Other for Naira Abuse in Lagos

      EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria Customs, ICPC and the Audit of Conscience

      Customs Diplomacy: Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Ink Mutual Assistance Deal

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria, Belarus Forge Alliance to Combat Smuggling, Facilitate Trade

      President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and CG Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

      Tinubu Hails Customs Boss Wale Adeniyi on Historic Election as WCO…

      WTO Lauds Nigeria Customs for Embracing Global Trade Standards

  • National
    • Ribadu Proposes Reintegration of Military Veterans to Bolster National Security

      DICON signs MoU with Saudi firm

      DICON, Saudi firm sign MoU to produce security drones, satellites in…

      Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya

      Ex-COAS Urges Reforms in Recruitment, Training of Army, Harps on Prioritisation…

      Prioritise Troops’ Welfare, Mission Over Personal Gain – COAS Charges Army…

      Nigeria’s Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk…

    • Government
      • Corporate Affairs Commission

        CAC Unveils AI-Powered Registration Portal to Revolutionize Business Registration in Nigeria

        Employment: ICPC Secures Conviction of FAAN Staff

        Staff of PRNigeria with federal lawmakers

        Federal Lawmakers Endorse PRNigeria Fellowship, Pledge Support for Youth Empowerment

        G7 Countries

        Iran Must Never Possess Nuclear Weapons – G7 Declare

        Nigerian Dignitaries, Business Leaders Attend Aminu Dantata’s Burial in Madinah Saudi…

  • Security
    • Ribadu Proposes Reintegration of Military Veterans to Bolster National Security

      DICON signs MoU with Saudi firm

      DICON, Saudi firm sign MoU to produce security drones, satellites in…

      Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya

      Ex-COAS Urges Reforms in Recruitment, Training of Army, Harps on Prioritisation…

      Prioritise Troops’ Welfare, Mission Over Personal Gain – COAS Charges Army…

      Customs Hands Over N172m Worth of Cannabis to NDLEA in Ogun,…

  • Features
    • Nigeria’s Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk…

      NYSC Corps Members in Camp

      The Burden Too Many Nigerian Youths Bear Alone

      Combating Deepfake Videos: A Fight for Nigeria’s Soul By Mukhtar Ya’u…

      Domestic Violence

      Marriage and the Silent Wounds Within Homes By Hafsat Ibrahim

      FutureMap Foundation Sparks Innovation with Design Thinking in Nigeria

  • State
    • Customs Hands Over N172m Worth of Cannabis to NDLEA in Ogun,…

      Combating Deepfake Videos: A Fight for Nigeria’s Soul By Mukhtar Ya’u…

      IEDs found at the bridge

      Military Foils Terrorists’ Bomb Attack, Discovers 56 IEDs on Marte–Dikwa Bridge…

      Suspected Gunrunner

      Plateau: Troops Nab Suspected Gunrunner, Recover AK-47, Ammunition in Plateau

      Troops Neutralise Scores of Militias in Plateau

  • Event
    • President & Chairman of Governing Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku

      NIPR Lauds Nigerian PR Firms for Outstanding Performances at 2025 SABRE…

      SCN NGO signs partnership with PRNIGERIA

      SCN NGO Seals Partnership with PRNigeria to Amplify its Humanitarian Projects

      NELFUND

      NELFUND Warns Students Against Fake Loan Application Portal

      EFCC Witness: Yahaya Bello Had No Property Dealings With EFAB

      Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu (RMS), with PRNigeria Ladies in PR I'm Abuja

      Rukayat Shittu Set to Publish Inspirational Book “Cracking the Glass Ceiling”,…

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home Features CoS To Buhari: Mohammed Hayatudeen, ‘The Cabal’ And Men Who Lost To...
  • Features

CoS To Buhari: Mohammed Hayatudeen, ‘The Cabal’ And Men Who Lost To Gambari

By
Senator Iroegbu
-
May 14, 2020
Prof ibrahim gambari Chief of Staff
Prof ibrahim gambari Chief of Staff

CoS To Buhari: Mohammed Hayatudeen, ‘The Cabal’ And Men Who Lost To Gambari

By Senator Iroegbu

As at 9pm on Tuesday May 12, 2020, there were still spirited efforts from vested interests and different camps to thwart the emergence of Amb. Ibrahim Gambari and have their candidates installed as the new Chief of Staff (CoS) to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sources revealed that even though Gambari has had the blessing of President Buhari, the coast was not yet clear as the dexterity of the intrigues, shadow boxing and mind games being deployed by various camps spearheaded by ‘The Cabal’ ensued palpable suspense that only ended with his eventual unveiling at the first virtual Federal Executive Council Meeting (FEC).

It was revealed that ‘the Cabal’ and the President’s inner circle did a thorough job to narrow their choices down to two men to replace Abba Kyari, one being Gambari and the other was the stealthy Mohammed Hayatudeen.

Nevertheless, the lot eventually fell on the former Minister of Foreign Affairs with Buhari who chaired the maiden virtual FEC meeting at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, announcing him as his new CoS, with the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha in attendance while other members of the Council including the Head of Service, Folashade Yemi-Esan, participated in the meeting from their offices.

It is also worth to note that the former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations has since then assumed office, while announcing to Nigerians who cared to listen that his loyalty is first and foremost to the President who appointed him and that he is committed to serving him with utmost dedication and loyalty.

However, one of the vital questions in the minds of Nigerians are to know those who had gunned for the position of CoS to President Buhari either overtly or covertly and why they eventually lost out to Professor Gambari. Some of these men apart from the aforementioned Hayatudeen include the man who acted on behalf of Kyari before and after his demise, Amb. Babagana Kingibe; the serving Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu; the Director-General of Customs, Col. Hamid Ali (rtd); and the former Military Governor of Lagos State, Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) as well as other candidates that were secretly suggested but could not make the cut.

Amb. Babagana Kingibe: He is a permanent feature of almost every Northerner- led government in Nigeria and a close confidant of the late Abba Kyari who could have fitted in easily as Buhari and ‘The Cabal’ was comfortable with him as a worthy replacement. It is however, gathered that his candidature was a kite flown by the assumption that Kingibe only needed to show the slightest interest in the job to beat off any rival. According to a report by Kaftan reports, it was eventually communicates that Kingibe did not want the job as he feels it will undermine his soft power and influence, which he could wield while operating from the outside just like other members of ‘The Cabal’. Also, his self-sabotaged role while as the Vice President to the winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential election, late Chief MKO Abiola, remains a baggage he needed to un-bundle from outside public scrutiny.

Mohammed Hayatudeen: He was the candidate that was settled for by ‘The Cabal’ after it was clear that Kingibe was out of the picture as the CoS to Buhari.

Commendably, a scan through Hayatudeen’s background and qualifications is a testament to the fact that there was merit to his choice as his sterling professional and academic achievements as well as his unassuming disposition was in many ways a reminder of what Abba Kyari was until his death. So who is this man that was so much pushed by ‘The Cabal’ to the extent that his candidature competed with that of Gambari down to the wire?

According to Inlaks.com, Hayatudeen holds a BSc in Economics ABU Zaria (1976), Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (1998); Strategic Leadership and Corporate Renewal, London Business School (2000); Making Corporate Boards more effective, Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (2000); Strategic Leadership Programme, INSEAD, France. On the professional side, has been the head of 5 different companies including the position of Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer for Alpine Investments Ltd; board of Seven-Up Bottling Co. Plc.,, Securities Solutions Ltd. and Air Nigeria Development Ltd. He was also Chairman of Dorman Long Engineering Ltd., Managing Director at New Nigeria Development Co. Ltd., Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at FSB International Bank Plc. and Chairman at The Nigerian Economic Summit Group to mention but a few.

Read Also:

  • Ribadu Proposes Reintegration of Military Veterans to Bolster National Security
  • DICON, Saudi firm sign MoU to produce security drones, satellites in Nigeria
  • Ex-COAS Urges Reforms in Recruitment, Training of Army, Harps on Prioritisation of Troops’ Welfare

Even though he made it to the last round, his choice was not popular with other competing power blocs as well as the fact that he may lack the political and diplomatic experience to manage the office compared to Gambari. This must have effectively influenced how Buhari arrived at his choice.

Mallam Adamu Adamu: The incumbent Minister of Education was one of those peddled as a front runner to the position of CoS because of his closeness with President Buhari. He is equally taciturn like Abba Kyari with conservative mien that mirrors that of Buhari, hence their friendship anchored on shared values. He is however, another brilliant North East son who many felt his national perception and worldview is not broad enough to merit his ability to coordinate such sensitive office. Moreover, it was noted that the President was satisfied with his role in the Ministry of Education and wants him to sustain his works there.

Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa: The Adamawa born ex-military governor of Lagos State has the cosmopolitan disposition that suited the expectations of Nigerians. He is well connected to different parts of the country and seems to understand the country enough to appreciate its dynamic fault-lines.

Unfortunately, his liberalist and progressive values run contrary to the power blocs influential to the thinking of Buhari Presidency. Crucially, his reported links with the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and being championed as the arrowhead of that bloc, meant a direct threat and challenge to the preeminent position of ‘The Cabal’. Unfortunately, this perception as Aisha Buhari’s anchor-man marred his candidature right from the get go and consequently, failed to sail further.

Col. Hamid Ali (rtd): The Nigerian Customs boss has remained Buhari’s right hand man right from their days in the Nigerian Army and his forays into politics. He has been with the President through his rise and fall moments and was equally rewarded with the juicy position as the Director General of Customs. This is why many had considered him as a frontline candidate because of his unalloyed loyalty to Buhari.

However, this is not enough as Ali may be too rigid in his knowledge of power as well as administrative dynamics to function effectively in such a position. More so, many considered his experience and exposure too limited to manage the intrigues associated with the Office of the CoS in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, diverse and complex country like Nigeria.

Consequently, with most of these men failing to meet the hurdles set before them as a result of complex mix of reasons, the coast was cleared for the emergence of Gambari. It is to be noted here that the former Under Secretary to the United Nations was a compromise candidate of choice for most of the power blocs including notable figures within ‘The Cabal’ despite the fact that Hayatudeen would have also served better as their man with such a quiet but awe-inspiring qualifications in the mold of Abba Kyari.

Why Gambari

The astute diplomat came with a broad-based resume, packed with experiences at the highest level of the global community at such a time Nigeria needs to reassert its footing in a post-COVID shaped world.

Even though age is not on his side as many Nigerians doubt if he still has the energy to manage the rigours of such office, but there is no gainsaying that when it comes to experience and qualifications, he came prepared.

For the fact that most of the power blocs including ‘The Cabal’; Nasir El-Rufai-Chibuike Amaechi’s camp, the pro-Bola Tinubu and Vice President Osinbajo’s bloc; and the First Lady, Aisha Buhari’s enclave, are comfortable with him also counts.

That he is also a Fulani from Central Nigeria with Yoruba influence that have in the past worked with Buhari, serving as his Minister of Foreign Affairs meant that he could serve as a bridge builder who understands how to navigate the nuances of a pluralist society like Nigeria.

Apart from being aware of the dynamics of international politics and the role expected of Nigeria, Gambari also seems to have a grasp of the emerging security challenges facing Nigeria, hence his establishment of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy and Development.

Nevertheless, not all were pleased with his emergence with some recalling how he hobnobed with different military regimes as well as the role he played in the killing of environmentalist and human rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa by the late dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha. Some Nigerians including Femi Fani-Kayode has also described him as a northern irredentist and Fulani supremacists with fear that he may deepen the perceived sectionalist inclination of President Buhari.

Fortunately, no matter what anyone believes-the man Gambari has to be accepted-as Buhari’s choice. The most important fact however, is that he now has a window of opportunity to prove us right or wrong in a bid to sustain a worthwhile legacy for national peace, cohesion and development.

Iroegbu is a journalist, security and public affairs analyst. He can be reached on [email protected]

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • CoS To Buhari: Mohammed Hayatudeen ‘The Cabal’ And Men Who Lost To Gambari
Previous articleNAF Attacked 33 Boko Haram Targets, Flew 1,700 Combat Hours in Four Months
Next articleA New Work on Crisis Communication Strategies
Senator Iroegbu
Senator Iroegbu
http://www.PRNigeria.com

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Nigeria’s Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk Bala

NYSC Corps Members in Camp

The Burden Too Many Nigerian Youths Bear Alone

Combating Deepfake Videos: A Fight for Nigeria’s Soul By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

Domestic Violence

Marriage and the Silent Wounds Within Homes By Hafsat Ibrahim

FutureMap Foundation Sparks Innovation with Design Thinking in Nigeria

The Nigerian Army @162: A Testament to Sacrifice and National Unity By Sani Kukasheka Usman

Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

Nigeria Customs, ICPC and the Audit of Conscience

A Different Kind of War on Drugs By As-Sayyidul Arafat Abdulrazaq

For Aminu Dantata to Sleep Well… By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Customs Boss

Bashir Adeniyi: A Roadmap to Global Customs Leadership By Tahir Ahmad

IGP Kayode Egbetokun Police Boss

IGP Egbetokun: Leading the Charge for a Safer Nigeria By Danjuma S. Musa

NDLEA Logo

Drug Culture in Nigerian Music: When Art Imitates Harm By Arafat A. Abdulrazaq

Recent Posts

  • Ribadu Proposes Reintegration of Military Veterans to Bolster National Security
  • DICON, Saudi firm sign MoU to produce security drones, satellites in Nigeria
  • Ex-COAS Urges Reforms in Recruitment, Training of Army, Harps on Prioritisation of Troops’ Welfare
  • Prioritise Troops’ Welfare, Mission Over Personal Gain – COAS Charges Army Commanders
  • Nigeria’s Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk Bala
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
Ribadu Proposes Reintegration of Military Veterans to Bolster National SecurityDICON, Saudi firm sign MoU to produce security drones, satellites in NigeriaEx-COAS Urges Reforms in Recruitment, Training of Army, Harps on Prioritisation of Troops’ WelfarePrioritise Troops’ Welfare, Mission Over Personal Gain - COAS Charges Army CommandersNigeria's Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk BalaThe Burden Too Many Nigerian Youths Bear AloneCAC Unveils AI-Powered Registration Portal to Revolutionize Business Registration in NigeriaEmployment: ICPC Secures Conviction of FAAN StaffCustoms Hands Over N172m Worth of Cannabis to NDLEA in Ogun, Commissions 13 New Patrol VehiclesCombating Deepfake Videos: A Fight for Nigeria's Soul By Mukhtar Ya'u MadobiMilitary Foils Terrorists' Bomb Attack, Discovers 56 IEDs on Marte–Dikwa Bridge in BornoNIPR Lauds Nigerian PR Firms for Outstanding Performances at 2025 SABRE Africa AwardsDHQ: How Troops Nabbed Mastermind of NDLEA Commander’s Kidnap in AnambraFederal Lawmakers Endorse PRNigeria Fellowship, Pledge Support for Youth EmpowermentSCN NGO Seals Partnership with PRNigeria to Amplify its Humanitarian Projects
X whatsapp