By Adesina Adefaye (Osun State Correspondent)
Nigeria's Ambassador-designate and ex-Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen.Tukur Buratai (retd), has said that most Nigerians do not appreciate the efforts of the nation's military forces in the tactical operations towards ending armed insurgency and insecurity in the land.
Buratai who spoke on Saturday in Kuta, Osun State, during an inter-denominational prayer held in his honor by the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, at his palace, lamented that the fighting forces under his military command were not sufficiently appreciated by most Nigerians in their war against insecurity.
The new envoy was represented at the occasion by two of his course mates, Major Daniel Banjo (retd) and Wing Commander Mamman Yusuf (retd.). Major Banjo who spoke for Buratai,, said three times, he nearly lost his life in an ambushed by the insurgents while fighting them
While assuring the community of a continued relationship and support even after exiting the Army, General Buratai revealed that .“At the war front, many things happened and Nigerians are not appreciative. Three times, I was ambushed and I jumped into the bush with my men and engaged the insurgents. My relationship with Olowu of Kuta is divine,” Buratai said.
In his own response, the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Oyelude, said his community subjects would ever remain grateful to Ambassador Tukur Buratai for the assistance he rendered towards the completion of a bridge linking the community to Ede. The Oba disclosed that “For decades, several prominent political office holders have tried to help us construct Ede/Kuta Bridge, but they could not, but on bringing the request before Lt. General Buratai, he granted it and ensured it was built.
“This is enough achievement for me as a monarch. The bridge is almost a hundred years and now the communities in this area have been linked and the villagers are now liberated.
“My support for the army was borne out of the fact that Buratai is a detribalized Nigerian and the most humane to serve as Army boss. The nation can only enjoy peace if we support the army to succeed in its quest to battle insecurity irrespective of who is in control.”
However, prayers were said at the event for Ambassador Buratai by both Muslim and Christian clerics for God's protection of his life while in the military service, and also for his success in his new diplomatic assignment..Dignitaries from within and outside Osun State attended the event. .NNL.
