Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has recounted how the late President Muhammadu Buhari played a pivotal role in securing his re-election as Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth in the 1980s.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Friday, Anyaoku revealed that Buhari, then Head of State, personally endorsed his nomination and even dispatched the Secretary to the Government at the time, Liman Chiroma, to hand-deliver the endorsement letter to the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.
Anyaoku had briefly served as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister in 1983, under the civilian government that was toppled by a military coup on New Year’s Eve. Despite the sudden transition of power, he said the incoming military leaders treated him with unexpected fairness.
“I was Foreign Minister for only three months before the coup. When the military took over on January 1, 1984, I was the first minister they allowed to leave the country,” Anyaoku recalled.
“General Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon told me, ‘We know you had nothing to do with corruption—you’re free to go. But we can’t have you remain as Foreign Minister.’”
Anyaoku appreciated their honesty and used the opportunity to explain that even if they had asked him to stay on in the military-led government, he would have declined.
“I told them clearly that I wouldn’t have accepted the post under a military regime. I would’ve spent more time defending the shift from democracy to military rule than doing the actual job,” he said.
Soon after, Anyaoku pursued re-election for his role in the Commonwealth. However, to be eligible, he needed official backing from his home country’s Head of State.
“When I explained this requirement to Buhari, he responded positively. He said, ‘Yes, we will do it. I will do it.’”
True to his word, Buhari not only signed the endorsement letter but ensured it was personally delivered by Liman Chiroma to London—a gesture Anyaoku says was both thoughtful and significant.
At that time, three other countries had fielded candidates for the same position. However, once Nigeria submitted Anyaoku’s name, he was re-elected unanimously.
Anyaoku’s story sheds light on a rare moment of goodwill and meritocracy during a turbulent period in Nigeria’s history, and it offers a glimpse into Buhari’s leadership style behind the scenes—measured, principled, and, at times, quietly supportive.
