Gen. Buratai and Plus One By Josie A. Mudasiru
I was in Maiduguri recently and like a typical journalist, I went about asking questions from taxi drivers, Keke riders and shop owners on security situations. I strike up conversations with the locals and a bit of Kanuri in the process. The general consensus is that security situation has greatly improved in Maiduguri.
I wasn’t planning on writing any article, but I was curious when some of them were praising the Chief of Army staff, Lt Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai for demonstrating leadership qualities and occasionally coming to motivate and lead the troops on the field.
When Buratai was appointed Chief of Army Staff on July 13, 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari, many wondered if he could tackle the rampant cases of suicide bombing and terrorists attacks across the mostly Northern parts of the country.
His appointment came at a time the nation was grappling with several challenges of insurgency and other insecurity. As a combatant, he has been saddled with the onerous responsibility of restoring hope to the hopeless and life to those who were on the verge of extinction.
Within a short period, as a thorough-bred professional soldier, he has ensured that the Nigerian Army dispatches its duties in the line with its constitutional mandates, especially in regard to rules of engagement and the protection of human rights.
Most of Buratai’s accomplishments, are on development of infrastructure in Military formations and Rehabilitation of dilapidated structures he had met on the ground. He has also Increased the morale of his men and officers by periodically joining them in training and on the battle battlefields.
It is no news that the fearless military general ensures training and re-training of men of the armed forces which to some extent greatly reduce acts of cowardice and indiscipline in the military.
Similarly, during the festive seasons, especially, Sallah and Xmas period, General Buratai leaves the comfort of his office to celebrate with troops on the frontline in solidarity with them.
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Even though activities of armed bandits, kidnappers and other sundry criminals are still with us, the increased onslaught of the troops against them are quite commendable. We are living witnesses to the tremendous progress that we have seen on the rescue of innocent people, mostly women and children from the enclaves and cocoon of Boko Haram/ISWAO terrorists.
With the steadfastness and dedication of the Nigerian Army under his and with the support and encouragement from all of us, insurgency will gradually fade away. In fact, I strongly believe the war against terrorism would soon come to an end.
Lt. General Tukur Buratai has laboured diligently over the years and succeeded in etching his name in gold, reaching the highest echelon of his professional career.
Gen. Tukur Buratai in all of these tasks has executed his job with a high level of discipline and professionalism worthy of emulation. What is very constant is the ultimate service to the nation and the upholding of nationalism and patriotism.
Meanwhile, the gains would not have been possible without President Muhammadu Buhari’s concerted effort to ensure that the security agencies are up and running with improved welfare and up to date operational equipment. The war against terrorism requires all hands to be on deck in our quest to defeat terrorism. All Nigerians must stay united with the Military as their efforts to defeat our major enemies who got supplies of sophisticated weapon from foreign countries
Buratai remains a study in humanism, humility and unalloyed courage. He is a great example in nationalism. In him, no one can find any strand of garishness. I must, therefore commend him for sustaining the momentum and intensity in the fight against terrorism. He has Achieved remarkable successes in anti-terrorism and anti-banditry operations across the country.
As he adds plus one today, I join millions of his admirers and well-wishers all over the globe to say Happy Birthday and Congratulations for making us very proud. May God Almighty grant him more years of comfort, steadfastness, progress and service to God and Country through humanity.
Josie Adokuru Mudasiru
Garki, Abuja
