Tag: Tukur Buratai

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FEATURED STORIES POLITICS

Presidential election tribunal’s verdict reinforces triumph of democracy – Buratai

Presidential election tribunal’s verdict reinforces triumph of democracy – Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Tukur Buratai, says the victory of President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Elections Petition Court has reinforced triumph of democracy.

Buratai, who is also a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin,  said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

According to him,  Wednesday’s verdict of the court validating the election victory of Tinubu not only upholds the principles of justice and fairness but also reinforces the triumph of democracy.

He congratulated the President on the victory  and called on all Nigerians to actively engage in the democratic process, adding that each citizen must embrace their civic duty and contribute to the betterment of our nation.

“Together, we can build a stronger society where the voice of every individual is heard and respected.

“Let us all unite under the banner of democracy and strive towards a brighter future for our nation.

“While political affiliations often divide individuals into different parties, it is crucial to recognise that once elected, there can only be one president at a time.

“It is, therefore,  essential for all citizens, regardless of their party affiliations, to unite and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Buratai said.

He said that by setting aside our differences and working together towards a common goal, we can foster a sense of unity and ensure the effective functioning government.

“It is through this collective effort that we can maximise the potentials for positive change and encourage the development of policies that benefit the entire nation.

“It is essential for us to acknowledge that, despite our varying political affiliations, we all share a common objective – the advancement of our nation,” he said.

The former army chief said that success of any political party hinged on its ability to serve the interests of the people, uphold democratic principles and promote unity.

He urged all Nigerians to concentrate on matters of utmost importance and engage in productive discussions that would bring about positive transformation.

He  said that every segment of the society played a crucial role in the peace, development, security, and progress of the country, adding that states and local government administrations were particularly essential in this endeavour.

He explained that states and local governments, being the closest level of government to the people, bore the responsibility of effectively providing essential services, maintaining law and order, and promoting economic growth within their respective jurisdictions.

According to him, by working in tandem with the Federal Government, states and local governments can address the unique needs and concerns of their communities, fostering a sense of inclusivity and empowerment.

“Their involvement in policy-making and implementation allows for a more comprehensive approach to national development, ensuring that every citizen can benefit from the advancements and opportunities that arise.

“Therefore, the states and local government administrations must  carry out their responsibilities efficiently as they form the backbone of our nation’s progress and prosperity,” he said

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FEATURED STORIES POLITICS

Recall Buratai over N1.8bn loot – PDP tells Buhari

Buratai lauds troops over Marte success
Buratai

The Peoples Democratic Party has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to recall former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, over a N1.8billion recovered by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission in a property in Abuja.

The party said both the top soldier and the ruling All Progressives Congress had a case to answer over the matter.

Although Buratai has, in a statement, said he had nothing to do with the money, the PDP insisted more needed to be unravelled.

In a statement released late Sunday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP called on the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to recall Buratai to face investigations over the allegation.

It said in a statement titled, ‘N1.8bn: Recall Buratai for investigation, PDP tasks Buhari…insists APC is haven for treasury looters’:
“The Peoples Democratic Party calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately recall the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), to face investigations and clear his name over alleged connection with the N1.8bn recovered in a property in Abuja by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).

“The PDP’s demand for the recall and investigation of Gen. Buratai is predicated on the earlier assertion by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Babagana Monguno, after the exit of Gen. Buratai as COAS that the $1bn drawn from the national coffers under the All Progressives Congress administration for the purchase of arms to fight terrorism in our country could not be traced.

“That assertion by the NSA heightened suspicion on allegations of barefaced looting of money meant to equip our security forces. Such corruption under the APC administration has led to the upsurge in unhindered terrorism attacks, mass killing of citizens and loss of many of our gallant fighters in the front in the last seven years.

“It is therefore of serious interest to Nigerians when reports that the ICPC discovered the sum of N1.8 billion in various currencies, expensive cars and jewelries secreted in a property in Abuja allegedly linked to the former COAS broke out.

“There are already apprehensions that the discovered money is part of the security fund that was criminally diverted. This is especially against the backdrop of the frenzy and spirited efforts by certain quarters linked to the APC to suppress investigation and free flow of information, politicise the matter and sweep it under the carpet.”

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FEATURED STORIES POLITICS

Don’t judge me by what people say I am – Amaechi to delegates as Buratai joins him in Bauchi

Amaechi

Former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, has urged delegates of the All Progressives not to judgehim by what people think and say about him.

Rather, he wants them to consider his deeds.

This is as Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa State, said he would nto contest against Mr Rotimi Amaechi in the 2023 presidential election.

Badaru stated this when Amaechi met with delegates from the state in Dutse on Wednesday.

“There will be no contest between me and Ameachi. It is either I run or he runs, but for sure, I cannot run against him,” Badaru said.

Earlier, the former minister, who appealed to the APC delegates to vote for him because he is competent and a detribalised Nigerian.

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2023 Presidency: Rotimi Amaechi storms Ile- Ife to consult Ooni

Amaechi added that of all the aspirants seeking the presidential seat, he is the person with both the legislative and executive experiences, saying they have made him to understand Nigeria better.

“Judge me by past records, not what people think and say I am. I have to be the president of Nigeria because of my trajectory.”

“It would not be fair for the north to abandon the south-south in its hours of need because of the long standing political relationship between the two regions,” Ameachi said.

The presidential aspirant was accompanied on the visit by a former Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Gen. Tukur Buratai, and a former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, among others.

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NEWS & LIFE

Plane crash: Buratai speaks on Attahiru’s death

Attahiru assumes office as new army chief, Buratai bows out
Attahiru assumed office as Army Chief, as Tukur Buratai bowed out

Immediate past Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador Designate, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says the late Chief of Army Staff was at the verge of making the nation proud before his tragic end.

Buratai in his tribute to late Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, said he was making tremendous progress in the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts when the tragedy occurred.

He described the incident as tragic to all Nigerians and peace-loving people, adding that Attahiru and the officers that died with him were top-level officers whose records of service were meritorious.

According to him, this unfortunate incident deeply saddens me as it robbed us of the services of the Chief of Army Staff who had left no one in doubt as regards his determination to succeed in the various military operations across the country.

“He was at the verge of making the nation proud in the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts when this tragedy occurred. I do not doubt his ability as he had served under me in various capacities and was well grounded for the job with active support and collaboration of his colleagues.

“I was deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the passing away of my immediate successor, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, the Acting Chief of Military Intelligence, Acting Provost Marshal (Army), his Chief of Staff, the Aide-de-Camp and the Acting Deputy Director Finance in the office of the COAS, his Orderly, as well as the pilots and crew in an air crash on May 21 at Kaduna Airport.

“I would like to, on behalf of my family, reiterate my deepest sympathy and condolences to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, the families of the deceased, the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, gallant officers, soldiers and airmen of the Armed Forces of Nigeria over the passing away of these courageous, loyal and patriotic Nigerians in line of duty,” he said.

Buratai however, urged the armed forces to close ranks and make sure that the legacy of the officers lives on by consolidating on the gains made in the various operations.

According to him, they gave their lives in the line of duty and patriotic service to the nation.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these great heroes. May the Almighty Allah grant them eternal rest,” he said.

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EDUCATION HEADLINES

Day I almost drowned – Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has recalled the day he almost drowned.

These are some of the outcomes of the launch of his book, “The Legend of Buratai” volume 2, which held on Friday, in Abuja.

The book, co-authored by a seasoned journalist and essayist, Dr Abubakar Sani, is a true-life story of Buratai about his journey through life.

While speaking on the book, Buratai said that showing respect for elders was one of the pillars that propelled him to prominence in life and reach the top in his military career.

He also urged young ones to always keep fit, saying that fitness was a very important aspect of life that many youths had not taken seriously.

Buratai also enjoined the youths to be religious by being devoted to God and had the fear of God.

He explained that volume one of the book was a fiction by Sani, adding that the title of the book gained his attention which encouraged him to write Volume 2 by himself.

“As rightly mentioned, volume one is a fiction and it came as a surprise to me and, suddenly, it attracted attention both locally and internationally.

“Volume two arose from volume one because of the inspiration and its success. I said I must get it right and we must put my experiences right from the primary one,” he said.

The former army chief recalled how he almost got drowned in a pond and other encounters like terrorists’ attacks, which he titled, “miraculous escape” in the book.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve the country at a higher level and others who had supported him to succeed.

“I want to appreciate you all for the show of love and appreciation for a service that one had done for his fatherland.

“I see it as something that is natural and normal and the secret behind that is, right from my school days, that culture of respect for elders, senior and parent had been what has been propelling me to remain humbled, focus and love everybody around me,” he said.

The Chairman of the occasion and a member, House of Representatives, Jafaru Ribadu, commended Buratai for his wisdom and efforts to document a thorough account of his journey as a military General.

Ribadu said that the book would help the general public to understand the critical and often selfless roles played by the military in ensuring peace and security of the nation.

A former member of the British Parliament, George Galloway, who delivered a keynote address virtually, described Buratai as an asset to Nigeria and the world.

Galloway also described the former army chief as a gallant general who had dedicated his life to service having commanded one of the largest armies in the world.

He commended Buratai for his role in ensuring that the Nigerian national unity was protected t his time as Chief of Army Staff.

He said the personal account of Buratai’s life in the book was apt, adding that the history of a person could be best written by the person.

According to him, Winston Churchill was once told that history would not be kind to him and Mr Churchill replied, “O yes it will because I intend to write it myself” and I am glad to say that our gallant Gen. Buratai is now following.

He said that there were people who would choose to misrepresent one’s life and career, adding that it was important for one to write about his own account and events in life.

The book reviewer and Co-author, Dr Sani, said the book would serve as a role model for young people who want to aspire higher in life.

Sani said that the book had 125 pages and nine chapters, adding that it covered the early life of Buratai as narrated by him as well as the account of his classmate and close friend, John Atanda among other narratives.

He added that the book also focused on Buratai’s journey in the military and personal principles.

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EDUCATION HEADLINES

We don’t know what happened to money released for arms under Buratai, others – NSA

Buratai inaugurates 30-bed hospital in Plateau
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tucker Buratai

Weeks after the immediate past service chiefs were appointed ambassadors, the Federal Government has said some money released to them for arms purchase under them is missing.

The National Security Adviser to the President, Maj.-Gen Babagana Monguno (retd.), said the arms they were also supposed to have bought are nowhere to be found.

The ex-service chiefs are Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Munguno said, “No one knows what happened to the money but by God’s grace, the president will investigate to find out whether the money was spent and where the arms went.”
The Presidency is also currently investigating the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, for alleged corruption.

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EDUCATION HEADLINES NEWS & LIFE

Terrorists have won Nigerian communities to their side – Buratai

Buratai lauds troops over Marte success
Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has said that terrorists have won communities to their side in Nigeria.
According to him, is is what has made the battle against them to be complex, adding that military action alone could tackle security challenges in the country.

Buratai, a non career ambassadorial designate said this, when he appeared before Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening on Thursday in Abuja.
“This security challenge is something that started more than 30, or 40 years ago.

“It had penetrated the communities, the terrorists have won the communities to their side, that is why you see a small hamlet keeping Boko Haram in those locations, so it is a complex issue.

“So it requires the whole government approach to to deal with this.

“The military action is just one aspect and this is one mistake we have been making that it is only the military that is seen to solve the issue of security challenge,” he said.

He said political, economic and social factors were responsible for fuelling the security challenge over the years, adding that those factors must be addressed.

“Development should be progressive, there should be roads every where, employment, schools, hospitals.

“There are so many ungovernable spaces until those spaces, locations are penetrated with roads infrastructure, rail, school, and we carry every body along, and a robust foreign and diplomatic polices pursed and sustained to solve issues of insecurity,” he said.

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EDUCATION HEADLINES

Service chiefs remain as Army moves senior officers

Buratai lauds troops over Marte success
Buratai

Nigerians eager to see the removal of some army chiefs still have to wait even as the military has announced new postings and redeployment of some senior officers.

There have been pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to relieve some of the army chiefs of their posts, following rising insecurity across the county.

While this is not yet forthcoming, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has approved the postings.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, who disclosed this in a statement, on Saturday, in Abuja, stated that the new postings were a routine exercise intended to reinvigorate the system, for greater performance and effectiveness.

He said that the postings saw the redeployment of Maj.-Gen. FO Agugo, from the Headquarters, Nigerian Army Signals Corps, Apapa, Lagos, to Defence Headquarters, as Chief of Defence Communications.

NAN also reports that, similarly, Maj.-Gen. M. Mohammed was moved from the Nigerian Army Resource Center, Abuja, to Pronto Tech Nigeria Limited as Managing Director, while Maj.-Gen. AR Owolabi moved from Defence Headquarters, Department of Communications, to Headquarters, Nigerian Army Signals Corps as Commander.

In the same vein, Musa disclosed that Maj.-Gen. Aminu Bande, had been confirmed as substantive General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Sokoto, with Maj.-Gen. IM Jallo also confirmed as the GOC 6 Division, Port Harcourt.

Other appointments, according to the statement, included the redeployment of Maj.-Gen. E Akerejola to the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Benin, as Commandant, while Maj-Gen. UM Mohammed, remained in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Special Adviser Nigerian Army University, Biu, and Vice Chairman, Nigerian Army Property Limited.

The postings also included the confirmation of Maj.-Gen. Hussein Ahmed, as Provost Marshal, and Maj.-Gen. AbdulKhalifa Ibrahim, as substantive GOC 7 Division/Commander, Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Maiduguri.

The statement said that all the postings and appointments would take effect from Jan. 18.

“While wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments, the Chief of Army Staff enjoins them to take their new responsibilities/appointments seriously, and discharge all duties professionally, with utmost loyalty to the Nation and the Service,” Musa said.

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HEADLINES NEWS & LIFE

Nigerian Army can’t secure 20-km Maiduguri-Damaturu Highway – Zulum

Babagana Zulum on insurgents' rocket at Maidguriu
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum

Governor Babagana Zulum has lashed out at the Nigerian Army over the attack on travellers on Maiduguri-Damaturu Road on Friday.

He said his experience on the 20-kilometre road, where there were incessant attacks, made him doubt the capacity of the military.

He visited Jakana, one of the major towns along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway on Monday and faulted the army for Friday’s abduction of over 30 travellers.

He said, “I have had occasions to defend the Nigerian military in order to boost the morale of commanders and their troops at the front lines because I know the true picture of things, however, I am really disappointed that despite all support from both the federal government and from us in Borno state, our military is failing to secure an area of 20 kilometers, which is the distance between Auno and Jakana.

“And incidentally, the majority of Boko Haram’s attacks along this Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano road, keeps happening between Auno and Jakana. So, if the military cannot secure 20 kilometers, how can they keep us with the hope they will defeat the Boko Haram?

“With all you (journalists) we drove from Maiduguri to here, Jakana. We did not see soldiers on the road, we did not see even our own rapid response squad on this road and they were trained, employed, kitted, and paid to protect all Nigerians wi

Buratai inaugurates 30-bed hospital in Plateau
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tucker Buratai
thin their areas of operation and these Nigerians include travelers plying this busy and important road.”

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HEADLINES INTERNATIONAL

From isolation, Buratai speaks on ICC probe of Nigerian military

Buratai lauds troops over Marte success
Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has spoken on the International Criminal Court’s delaration that it is probing the Nigerian military for alleged war crimes.

Buratai is currently in isolation due to the Coronavirus scare caused by the infection and death of top military shot, Major General Johnson Irefin two days ago.

But he has described the probe as a wicked distraction, which he wants his officers and men to disregard.

Buratai said in a statement:

“There is no doubt such statement and instigation can distract the Nigerian Army troops with its demoralising effects. It will have negative consequences on troops morale, interest in military service by Nigerians and severe setback to all our internal security operations in the country.”

Buratai, however, enjoined the troops to ignore the distractions and call on them not to be demoralised by these moves.

“The COAS who is currently in self-isolation as part of precaution against the COVID-19, would soon be joining our gallant troops in the North East at the end of the mandatory isolation period to continue giving the desired leadership and support to the gallant and patriotic troops of the Nigerian Army,” the statement added.

The Army chief “further enjoined troops to ignore the wicked, unnecessary distractions and direct troops to fully concentrate on the final defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group which is in sight.”
Army