Buratai finally replies those criticizing his ambassadorial appointment

Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), the Immediate past Chief of Army Staff, has responded to the criticisms against his appointment as ambassador by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buratai who replied his critics at a dinner organised in his honour by members of 29th Regular Course Foundation, held at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, said him and his colleagues deserved the appointments, adding that he performed very well while in office.

He said; “It’s an honourable retirement and also an honourable appointment. I’m not a politician, so I have no word for the opposition. I have done well.”

On his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, he said, “I am happy that in July last year, my officers at the Army headquarters compiled a compendium of my achievements.

“In fact, I can’t even remember all the projects that we have executed. Is it in terms of infrastructure? Is it in terms of capacity building? Is it in terms of training?

“Since I was appointed, there was never a dull moment in terms of training. Remember the various exercises. These are training exercises from ‘Python dance’, ‘Crocodile smile’, and even the latest one ‘Exercise Sahel Sanity’.

“Is it in the area of medical? In terms of education of our children and wards, the Nigerian Army University are all great achievements.”

Recall that some Nigerians had said the President’s move to appoint the ex-service chiefs as envoys is aimed at protecting them from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their roles in the Lekki massacre.

Gen. Buratai (rtd), also use the opportunity to thank President Buhari for finding his worthy to serve in the capacity of Chief of Army Staff.

He also thanked Nigerians for their supports, prayers, advises, and words of encouragement that made him to succeed as COAS.

“I must appreciate all Nigerians, my well-wishers, the youths, elders, men and women for their continuous prayers, goodwill and support to the Nigerian Army and me in the course of our duties to bring about peace and security in our country,” he said.

Buratai (rtd), expressed gratitude to Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and his northeast counterparts, who have “All worked hard to ensure that the insurgency in the northeast have reached what we have today; a manageable state and the progress have been quite tremendous so far.”

Going down memory lane earlier, the former COAS said that his appointment was a special price for his father, the late Alhaji Yusufu Buratai, a well-known staunch loyalist of President Buhari. It will be recalled that General Buratai’s father, a Second World War veteran, served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Royal West African Frontier Force fighting in Burma.

Speaking further, he expressed appreciation to the members of the 29th Regular Course Association for being such wonderful friends and course mates and organising such a befitting event in his honour, adding that he felt so happy to be celebrated. It means a lot to him and his family.

“It is also a mark of fulfilment and pride that you have been recognised for the service you have rendered to your nation and your people,” he stated.