Buratai’s military track record an asset to Tinubu’s administration.
Abdul Mohammed Isa
In recent times, there have been several attempts to discredit Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who served as the Chief of Army Staff under the previous administration in Nigeria.
These campaigns of calumny which are unfounded and unjustified have led to calls for Lt General Buratai to be excluded from the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
These campaigns of calumny against the former army chief have claimed that he was responsible for the alleged human rights abuses by the Nigerian Army during his tenure.
However, it is essential to overlook these allegations and focus on the overall contribution of Lt General Buratai to the Nigerian military.
During his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff , General Buratai has embarked on several initiatives aimed at transforming the technological and operational modernization in transformation of the Nigerian Army and the country’s security system.
Many security analysts in the Country and parts of the World have commended General Buratai’s efforts in enhancing the operational capabilities and effectiveness of the Nigerian Army and improving the security situation in the country.
His strategy in combatting Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast region, including the recapture of several towns that were previously under the control of the terrorist group was highly commendable by analysts across the Country and beyond.
General Buratai’s efforts in rehabilitating military infrastructure, procurement of new weapons and equipment, and ensuring welfare of soldiers have also been widely applauded despite accusation of excessive use of force and human rights violations in several operations by the Military under him.
partiicularly in the crackdown on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) .
He deployed troops to several flashpoints across the country, resulting in the rescue of many abducted Nigerians from the hands of terrorists, Under his leadership, the Nigerian army regained much of the territory that had been lost to the insurgents.
Moreover, Lt General Buratai’s expertise and experience in military operations cannot be overemphasized, He was activily involved in training and mentoring young military officers ,as well as instrumental in providing strategic leadership, operational guidance, and tactical direction to the Nigerian Army during his tenure.
As Nigeria transitions into a new administration under President Bola Tinubu, it is imperative that the government disregards campaigns of calumny against Lt General Buratai and embraces him as an experienced military general. His wealth of experience and expertise would be valuable to the new administration, particularly in tackling the country’s security challenges.
It is also noteworthy that Nigeria is currently facing several security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. Hence, enlisting the services of Lt General Buratai in the new administration would go a long way in ensuring that these security challenges are adequately addressed.
The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria should disregard campaigns of calumny against Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and look to embrace him as an experienced military general.
He has the requisite experience and expertise to help tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, and his services would be critical in the new administration.
As a Brigade commander in the Niger Delta Region, General Buratai then a Brigadier General played a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the region.
He led several successful operations against militants and criminal elements, ensuring that the area was conducive for economic and social activities to thrive.
In 2006, General Buratai introduced the Women’s Corps (WC) a unit of female soldiers within the Nigerian Army,which was aimed at increasing the operations against militant groups and criminal elements.
This was aimed at increasing gender diversity and inclusivity in the army while also providing career opportunities for women who wished to serve their country.
The Women’s Corps has since become an integral part of the Nigerian Army.
General Buratai also implemented several development activities within the Nigerian Army, such as improving the welfare and training of soldiers, upgrading military equipment and infrastructure, and enhancing the overall professionalism and discipline of the army.
His dedication and commitment to service have earned him several national and international accolades, including the Nigerian Defence Academy’s award of the Order of Defence Services Merit and the Executive Excellence Award for Outstanding Leadership and Professionalism.
Buratai is widely regarded as a competent and experienced military officer, and has been commended for his dedication and commitment to the security and well-being of Nigerians.