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  • It’s time to rally behind Tinubu – Buratai

    It’s time to rally behind Tinubu – Buratai

    A former Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Gen. Tukur Buratai, has called on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu to actualise his Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Buratai made the call in a statement on Friday in Abuja, in reaction to the Supreme Court verdict that affirmed the victory of Tinubu as duly elected president during the Feb. 25 Presidential Election.

    He said the apex court had in a significant development, rendered its verdict in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu,  thereby dismissing the claims put forth by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party.

    According to him, the ruling is a clear indication that the court found merit in the arguments presented by the APC and President Tinubu.

    “The decision holds significant implications for the political landscape, potentially shaping future policies and governance under President Tinubu’s leadership.

    “I am urging all Nigerians, particularly politicians, to graciously accept the judgment of the Supreme Court and extend their support to President Tinubu.

    “It is crucial for the stability and progress of the nation that we unite behind our elected leader.

    “By setting aside personal and political differences, we can collectively work towards the betterment of our country,” he said.

    Buratai said President Tinubu’s success in leading Nigeria would largely depend on the cooperation and collaboration of individuals, regardless of their affiliations.

    He said it was only through unity and a shared vision that the nation could address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

    The former army chief called on Nigerians to strive for a prosperous and harmonious Nigeria under President Tinubu’s leadership.

    According to him, President Tinubu has been handed a crucial opportunity to steer Nigeria towards a promising future.

    He said it was imperative that the president remained resolute and unwavering in his commitment to implementing his renewed hope agenda.

    “The path ahead may be challenging, but it is vital that President Tinubu remains focused and concentrates his efforts on bringing about positive change in Nigeria.

    “By prioritising key issues such as economic development, social welfare, and good governance, President Tinubu has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of Nigerians.

    “With determination and careful planning, he can contribute to the progress and prosperity of the nation.

    “It is my hope that President Tinubu seizes this opportunity with dedication and perseverance, always keeping the best interests of the Nigerian people at heart,” Buratai added.

  • Nig 2nd in Africa, fifth worldwide in organised crime – Gen Buratai

    Nig 2nd in Africa, fifth worldwide in organised crime – Gen Buratai

    … first among West African countries

    …as critical stakeholders insist that combining non-kinetic and kinetic methods could help checkmate organised crime

    Ex-Chief of Army Staff, COAS, General Tukur Buratai, Retd has said Nigeria is rated number two in Africa and maintains fifth position in the world in organised crime.

    Giving a further breakdown he said Nigeria also ranked second among 54 countries in Africa and first among 15 countries in West Africa.

    While quoting the Global Organised Crime Index, Buratai, who spoke during a one-day international conference on organised crime organised by Igbinedion University Okada IUO, Buratai Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs in Abuja also disclosed that other affected countries included Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

    He said, “Nigeria has a criminality score of 7.15 out of 1 to 10 and it is ranked 5th out of 193 countries. It is 2nd of 54 countries in Africa and 1st of 15 countries in West Africa according to the Global Organised Crime Index.

    “As the index results show, the countries with the highest criminality levels are those experiencing conflict or fragility. The Democratic Republic of Congo was identified as the country most affected by organised crime, followed by Colombia, Myanmar, Mexico and Nigeria.

    “Other high-scoring countries include Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, where conflict countries have decimated the formal economies, led to mass displacement and an influx of weapons.”

    Other critical stakeholders also agreed that to effectively checkmate organised crime in Nigeria there’s need to quickly adopt both the kinetic and non kinetic approach to achieve success.

    The international confab which was attended by ex-COAS, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, Retd, another ex-COAS, Gen TY Buratai, all serving Service Chiefs, NSA former military top brass, the diplomatic corps and other critical stakeholders.

    The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Major General TA Lagbaja who was represented clearly stated in his goodwill message that the kinetic approach alone can no longer combat organised crime as the collaboration of community leaders, community dwellers and traditional institutions are needed to combat it and this part is the non kinetic approach.

    He explained that “organised crime is like a wild fire and what can easily cage it is the non kinetic approach using community leaders, community dwellers, intelligence tools to gather credible information on how to checkmate organised crime.

    “Kinetic approach is just 20percent while non kinetic is 80percent and the implication here is that you need people to allow the non kinetic approach to succeed.

    “To this end, you need community leaders, people in the axis to achieve results particularly in the Niger Delta you cannot stop crude oil siphoning without the people assisting you.

    In his brief submission, IUO Pro Chancellor, Professor Sheikh Ahmad Abdullahi said” I expect this conference to provide a blueprint to help curb organised crime in Nigeria and by extension Africa and worldwide.

    “Before now the rate of crime was recorded arithmetically but now it is in geometric form so we need to think of the kinetic theory to use in combating organised crime.

    “To checkmate the emerging threat we need to be ready to find ways and means to dislodge the threat be it organised or otherwise.

    Former COAS and ex-minister of Interior, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau in his goodwill and also chaired the conference went down memory lane to the days 419, Boko Haram, the Italian Mafia and the history of organised crime.

    The Keynote speaker, Chairman, National Police Commission, NPC and ex-IGP, Dr Solomon Arase who was represented by Prof Omorege Edobar gave a vivid picture of how organised crime started in Nigeria and on how to effectively combat it.

    Arase in his presentation said, 419 of the early 1990s, Money Laundering,Ponzi Schemes are products of induced organised crime bearing semblance of Boko Haram in 2007-2009 which spread across North East, the Niger Delta militancy and the banditry in the North West.

  • Why I keyed into Igbinedion varsity research centre for security affairs – Ex-COAS, Buratai

    Why I keyed into Igbinedion varsity research centre for security affairs – Ex-COAS, Buratai

    …says Nigeria will be better developed if military remains professional and civilians govern well

    Ex-Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, retd, has said he keyed into Igbinedion University Okada, IUO quest for research center for contemporary security affairs because it will go a long way in developing Nigeria and take it to greater heights.

    Buratai made this disclosure at the one-day international conference with the theme: ‘Organised Crime Network as Emergent Threats to National Security’ organised by Igbinedion University Okada, IUO , Buratai Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs partnering agencies.

    Buratai in a chat after the first session of the confab on what motivated him as COAS to let into a research centre in security affairs with Nigeria’s premier private university said:

    “First of all, I have that passion for research, let me say my background as an historian and also a military instructor, I have been in the teaching of the army in particular and I have a very good teaching background, I have that interest in research.

    “And when Igbenedion University approached me then as Chief of Army Staff, I felt it is a good thing for me to expand and explain my passion for research activities.

    “As you can see, this centre, the Nigerian Army Resource Centre is one of my initiatives to establish it for research and studies into contemporary issues, military strategies, developmental issues and capacity building.

    “So I didn’t waste time when I was approached by the Igbenedion University, having decided on their own, approved by the senate, it was then they approached me.

    “They saw my contributions in the area of security as then Chief of Army Staff and they felt they need to immortalize me to have this centre in order to protect and project, promote my ideals in the areas of security and here we are today, they are doing very well.

    “And I really appreciate the university and of course the management of Igbenedion University, the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbenedion and of course the management and staff, the vice chancellor and the senate, they have done well in taking the right decision and the centre are doing very well.

    “In our clime, the military has been at the receiving end, democracy now requires the military to perform our constitutional role rather than coming directly into governance.

    “They can have many ways to influence government to make sure that security played their role appropriately and also allow the democrats, the civilians to perform their role properly.

    “I am lucky to have served for five years, for almost six years and I know the stress that has gone into democracy or the governance in my country.

    “The best way is for the military to remain within their constitutional role, also encourage the civilian administration to do their best, to solve the democratic challenges or the governance challenges or the developmental challenges of our country.

    “It is by doing so, everybody playing its role, the democrats doing their own properly, the politicians, the military, the populace are doing their role properly, it is then you have the focus of our nation.

    “The military should be allowed to do their professional job and the civilian should govern well and it is through that you have a developed country, as you can see globally.

    “Unfortunately, there are times when you have external influence, whatever it is, what the politicians and the military should try to avoid is to be influenced externally, it will disrupt democratic process of the country.

    #

  • Buhari’s administration has subdued Boko Haram insurgency – Buratai

    Buhari’s administration has subdued Boko Haram insurgency – Buratai

    The former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd) has claimed that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has subdued Boko Haram insurgency and terrorist acts.

    Buratai made the claim in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, recalled that President Buhari in his inaugural address on May 29, 2015, promised to subdue the terror groups.

    The former COAS, however, warned that it is wrong to think that victory over Boko Haram terrorists meant a total cessation of hostilities. That, he said, would happen only when the terrorist groups agree to forsake their ideology, embrace democracy, respect the national constitution and sue for peace.

    Buratai said the President had, right from his inauguration, clear-cut strategies to subdue the terrorists and restore peace to the North East and Nigeria in general.

    He recalled the president in his inaugural address saying that the military command centre will be relocated to Maiduguri and remain until Boko Haram has been completely subdued.

    “I say this with every sense of responsibility that the Buhari administration has subdued the Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism,” said Buratai.

    According to him, the president came fully prepared with all the right information about the root causes of the insurgency and terrorism.

    Buratai said that the Boko Haram insurgency was allowed to manifest before 2015 by official bungling, negligence, complacency and collusion.

    This, he added, made Boko Haram become a terrifying force, taking tens of thousands of lives and capturing several towns and villages, covering swathes of Nigerian sovereign territory.

    “This is the true summary of the Boko Haram armed insurrection. The murder of Muhammad Yusuf by the police was clearly extrajudicial. Negligence, complacency and collusion with the proponents and strategic leaders of the Boko Haram insurgency for selfish reasons caused the insurgency to degenerate into a full-blown nightmare,” he added.

  • Probe ex-COAS, Buratai over N1.8bn recovered in property – PDP tells Buhari

    Probe ex-COAS, Buratai over N1.8bn recovered in property – PDP tells Buhari

    The opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to recall the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), to face investigations over an alleged connection with the N1.8 billion recovered in a property in Abuja.

    Reports emerged last week that the anti-graft agency had recovered N170 million cash, $220,965 and a G-Wagon car from the residence of Gen. Buratai.

    The Commission, however, through its spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, denied that the house belonged to Buratai, clarifying that the facts available indicated that the property is owned by owner of K Salam Construction Company, a military contractor.

    The PDP in a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, insisted that the former Army boss should be investigated, saying that its demand 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 APC administration for the purchase of arms to fight terrorism in our country could not be traced.

    The main opposition party stated “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, politicize the matter and sweep it under the carpet.

    “Nigerians will recall that our Party has on several occasions alerted that the looting of our treasury is officially sanctioned and enabled by the APC administration with its refusal to prosecute those who were alleged and found to have been involved in massive corruption.

    “It would also be recalled that the PDP drew attention to plans of the APC to create a slush fund account from monies fraudulently drawn from the national treasury to finance their plot to rig the 2023 general elections.

    “This is evidenced by the massive use of money by the APC to prosecute a vote buying scheme in the recent Ekiti State Governorship election. The prevalence of vote buying in that election by the APC was even acknowledged by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, which prompted the INEC Chairman to demand for speedy trial of those arrested for vote buying in the Ekiti State election.

    “The reports of massive looting by APC leaders and their cronies in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies further confirm the APC administration as a haven for treasury looters.

    “Moreover, the recently exposed looting of N80bn by the suspended Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, which investigation has now gone cold is suspected to have been engineered by the cabal at very high level of the APC administration.

    “The PDP, standing with Nigerians, insists that Gen. Buratai should return to the country and personally face investigation to clear his name.

    ”This is because any allegation bordering on looting of funds meant for the fight against terrorism is of grave national concern and consequence. It must be thoroughly investigated and anybody found wanting must be made to face the full weight of the law no matter how highly placed.”

    PDP wants Buratai probed over N1.8bn recovered in property

  • Stop malicious campaign against Buratai, traditional ruler warns critics

    A traditional ruler in Osun, the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Makama, has warned against the campaign of calumny against the former Army Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    Oba Makama, while addressing a news conference on Tuesday in his palace in Kuta town, said that a smear campaign against Buratai, that huge cash and other luxury items were recovered from his Abuja residence by ICPC, was malicious.

    The traditional ruler said though the ICPC official statement had confirmed that Buratai had no link with the property, it was necessary to correct the misinformation in the public domain.

    ” After several unsuccessful attempts to get him removed, attempts to get him removed before his time, they have now begun to run a smear campaign against him.

    They are doing this “by ascribing the ownership of a house in Wuse, Abuja, where operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices raided and recovered huge cash and other luxury items to him”.

    ” The misinforming reports, I stand to confirm, are purely malicious and another fabricated tale published to tarnish Buratai’s brilliant image.

    ” But this has failed because the ICPC’s official public statement has confirmed that Buratai has no link with the said property or the cash and other items found in the building,” he said.

    The traditional ruler said that credible information had it that several faceless NGOs had been paid to embark on a campaign of calumny and destruction against Buratai.

    ” I make bold to say that Ambassador Buratai remains a man of immense honour.

    Therefore, he needs the support of all well-meaning Nigerians to succeed in his current assignment, notwithstanding the avoidable distractions.

    ” Ambassador Buratai has and still serving Nigeria without any blemish despite the unwarranted attacks, having chosen to serve without bias, which is fetching him a recommendation,” he said.

    Oba Makama, however, called on Nigerians to support Buratai in his new assignment as an Ambassador, rather than joining in the ‘pull him down’ antics against his honour and dignity.

  • Buratai blames ignorance, weak justice system, poor leadership for insecurity

    Buratai blames ignorance, weak justice system, poor leadership for insecurity

    Ambassador Tukur Buratai has identified ignorance, weak justice system and poor leadership among others as factors responsible for insecurity and other social challenges in the country.

    Buratai, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Republic of Benin, said this at the ground breaking and fundraiser for Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC) at Gora in Nasarawa State.

    The former Chief of Army Staff said the Centre would collaborate with the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, in the fields of strategic studies, peace and conflict studies and leadership for development.

    He said: “One may want to know why a retired general cum diplomat will decide to collaborate with a university to set up a think-tank like TBRC.

    “Since this is a straight question, I will respond with an answer that is precise and straight to the point.

    “My simple philosophy about life is to continue to live a life of value by improving on the system that we have.

    “As someone from the military, I reckoned the best way for me and my associates to add value to our society and make our country better and stronger is through a think-tank like TBRC.’’

    Buratai said Nigeria has potential for greatness but there were insufficient capabilities to transfer those potential into socio-economic benefits for the people.

    According to him, inadequate research and development implementation in Nigeria create a massive void in the nation’s progress.

    “When properly focused research and training institutes are established, innovation and development become a natural progressive activity that benefits the nation’s life.

    “In other words, Nigeria gains the ability to develop positively as a result of enhanced study and training.

    “Corruption, insecurity due to terrorism and banditry, inadequate infrastructure, issues in governance and an inept educational system are all systemic flaws.

    “With every amount of commitment made to research and training, as well as a strong national orientation one may be confident that we, as a people and a nation, are on the right track.’’

    “I would like to utilize this TBRC platform to emphasize that now is the moment for us to turn within and devise home-grown solutions to our unique difficulties,’’ he said.

    The ambassador said that TBRC was his way of contributing to national development and giving back to society through a well thought-out approach that would have a long lasting impact on the country.

    “As a result of the myriad of socio-economic and political challenges, it may be reasonable to argue that Nigeria can, to a large degree, resolve her development issues through research Buratai said’’

    Prof. Suleiman Mohammed, the Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, said the institute and TBRC had identified their research and development partnership based primarily on security and strategic studies.

    “The vision and mission of the Buratai centre aligns with the university’s policy and strategy for impacting the society.

    “The centre’s motto which is to promote research for leadership and development is a strong statement about the ultimate value of research to impact humanity positively.

    “We envisage that the centre will be a hub for cross fertilization of ideas on security, peace, conflict, leadership and development issues,’’ Mohammed said.

    Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State performed the ground breaking and donated N50 million to the Centre.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that more than N160 million was realised at the occasion with the highest donation of N100 million coming from the BUA Group of company.

  • [Photos] Buratai meets Beninese President amidst Nigeria’s demand for Igboho’s extradition

    [Photos] Buratai meets Beninese President amidst Nigeria’s demand for Igboho’s extradition

    Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has met with the President of the French-speaking West African nation, Patrice Talon.

    Buratai met with the Beninese President on Tuesday during the official presentation of his letter of credence.

    Buratai’s meeting with the Beninese President occurred amid the planned extradition of wanted Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, who was arrested in Cotonou on July 19, 2021 while he tried to catch a flight to Germany.

    A member of Igboho’s legal team, Pelumi Olajengbesi, had said Buratai asked for the extradition of Igboho to the headquarters of the Department of State Services in Abuja, Nigeria but Benin Republic disappointed him.

    Buratai, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff between July 2015 and January 2021, was deployed as Nigeria’s envoy in the Benin Republic in June 2021.

    Before then, the Nigerian President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had presented Buratai’s nomination to the Senate and the upper chamber of the National Assembly had confirmed the ex-COAS’ nomination despite public outcry of some crimes against humanity allegedly committed by the Nigerian Army under Buratai’s leadership.

    In a statement, the Beninese Government said Talon granted audience to each of the new ambassadors and discussed with them on the revitalisation and strengthening of bilateral cooperation between these different countries and Benin.

    Talon was also said to have received a brief update on the state of cooperation between Benin, Nigeria and the other countries.

    “The President of the Republic also took the opportunity to invite the new Ambassadors to work more on consolidating and strengthening the warm relations that already exist between their countries and Benin,” the statement added.

    It was, however, not clear whether or not Buratai discussed Igboho’s extradition with the Beninese President.

    Igboho, an arrowhead of the secessionist agitation for Yoruba nation, has been in detention since July 19, 2021 when he was arrested by Interpol at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou around 8pm.

  • Buratai appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin Republic

    Buratai appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin Republic

    Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), has been deployed to Benin Republic.

    While General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin (rtd), former Chief of Defence Staff, has been appointed the head of mission to Cameroon.

    At a brief ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, presented letters of credence to the ex-service chiefs.

    This was disclosed by Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, information officer of the ministry.

    “The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Geoffrey Onyeama today 22 June 2021, presented Letters of Credence to the Ambassador-Designate of Nigeria to the Republic of Cameroon, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin (Retired) and the Ambassador-Designate of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Lt.Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Retired).”

    “The Minister of Foreign Affairs during the brief ceremony congratulated the immediate past service chiefs on their appointment by Mr. President and called on them to deploy their wealth of experience to promote Nigeria’s interest during their tour of duty in countries of accreditation,” he said in a statement.

    However, the statement was silent on the postings of the other former Service chiefs, Vice Admiral Ibok- Ette Ibas (retired) former Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar (retired), ex-Chief of Air Staff and and Air Vice Marshal Muhammad S. Usman (Rtd), former Chief of Defense Intelligence.

    Daily Trust reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had, on February 4, 2021, appointed the ex-service chiefs as non-career ambassadors.

    The president appointed the ex-service chiefs in 2015 and refused to bow to the pressure to relieve them of their duties until they “voluntarily resigned”.

    Their ambassadorial appointment sparked public outrage, with calls on the Senate to reject their nominations.

    Despite the outrage, the Senate, on February 23, 2021, confirmed their nominations.

  • Late Attahiru was at the verge of making the Nation proud – Buratai

    Late Attahiru was at the verge of making the Nation proud – Buratai

    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.