The immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (Rtd), has given himself a pass mark in handling the Army for over five years, boasting that he owes no one explanation over his recent appointment as one of the non-career ambassadors by President Muhammadu Buhari.
EyewitnessMedia gathered that made this known while speaking with journalists after a special gala night organised by members of the 29th Regular Course Association of the Nigerian Defense Academy in Abuja over the weekend.
Buratai said the impacts of his efforts as the Chief of Army Staff may not be felt immediately.
He, however, insisted that the country would be having highly qualified officers in the next five to 10 years, “who can carry this military profession to higher heights.”
“It feels great [to be celebrated by my colleagues] at this point in time.
“It means a lot to me in terms of respect, in term of the show of love.
“It’s something of pride that you have been recognised for the service you have rendered to your nation and people,” he said.
Buratai and other Service Chiefs “voluntarily resigned” their positions on 26 January 2021 after months of calls for their sack following a spate of insecurity in different parts of the country, especially in the northeast and the seeming failure of the security agencies to contain it.
Buhari immediately appointed Major-General Leo Irabor Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff as replacements.
However, the President released a list of nominees as non-career ambassadors of the country on 4 February 2021, just nine days after their resignation as Service Chiefs.
The nomination has generated condemnation from several Nigerians, including the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who called on the President to withdraw the list.
