The immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (Rtd) has said he won’t join words with the Peoples Democratic Party Party (PDP) over his ambassadorial appointment.
Recall on 26 January 2021,Buratai alongside other service chiefs “voluntarily resigned” from their positions. Following their resignation, President Muhammadu Buhari 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.
The president, days later, nominated the former security chiefs as non-career ambassadors in a letter sent to the Nigerian Senate. This led to a backlash from a section of Nigerians with the PDP calling on President Buhari to withdraw the nomination.
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The main opposition party also accused the president of trying to shield the former service chiefs from investigation and arrest. The PDP called on the Senate to eschew all partisan considerations and stand on the side of the people.
Speaking to newsmen after a special gala night organized for him by members of the 29th Regular Course Association of the NDA on Saturday, Buratai said he would not respond to the PDP’s statement.
He said: “It’s an honourable retirement and also an honourable appointment.
“I’m not a politician, so I have no word for the opposition.”
“I have done well”
He added: “I am happy that in July last year, my officers at the Army headquarters compiled a compendium of my achievements.
“In fact, I can’t even remember all the projects that we have executed. Is it in term of infrastructure? Is it in term of capacity building? Is it in terms of training?
“Since I was appointed, there was never a dull moment in terms of training.
“Remember the various exercises, these are training exercises from ‘Python dance’, ‘Crocodile smile’, and even the latest one ‘Exercise Sahel Sanity’.
“Is it in the area of medical? In terms of education of our children and wards, the Nigerian Army University are all great achievements.
“I think you can write volumes and volumes of books in terms of the achievements depending on the perspectives you want to take.”
