Just In : Buratai Reveals ‘Who’ Created Insecurity In Nigeria
Former Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai, asserted on Friday that the current insecurity plaguing the country is a result of decisions made by the political class.
Buratai made this statement while delivering a lecture titled “Public Service and the Imperatives for National Security in Nigeria” during the second stanza of the 2023 National Public Service Lecture and the 65th anniversary of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association.
He also criticized those who called for his removal from office during his tenure due to the security challenges in the country, attributing such demands to personal biases rather than an objective assessment of his performance.
He said, “These individuals might have held negative opinions of General Buratai based on subjective factors, such as personal preferences or biases unrelated to his actual capabilities. It is crucial to approach discussions regarding national security matters with a fair and impartial mindset, focusing on relevant aspects rather than personal biases and idiosyncrasies.
“The National Assembly had twice or more passed resolutions calling for the sack of the service chiefs. The President, Muhammadu Buhari had told the ninth National Assembly to mind their business. If properly interpreted, the call by the ninth National Assembly was to derail the democracy by the military.
“This should be a lesson for political actors. It was a direct confrontation blaming the service chiefs as if they are the ones who started insecurity. the insecurity being faced in the country since 2009 was the creation of the political class. With a strong political will, it can be surmounted.”
He urged politicians, public servants, and civil servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discouraging corruption which, he noted, has plagued the country’s political landscape for decades, undermining public confidence and impeding progress.
He emphasized that the widespread occurrences of misappropriation of public funds, bribery, and embezzlement have diverted resources from crucial services, leading to disenchantment among citizens.
Furthermore, he advised politicians to demonstrate accountability and transparency in their actions and decisions.
“Politicians often make lofty promises during election campaigns but fail to deliver once in power. The lack of accountability erodes public confidence and perpetuates the perception that politicians are more interested in the people,” Buratai added.
The Chairman for the event, former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, (Operations) Oyo State Command, Adejobi Akinade, urged the public to rally behind the police force in their endeavors to address the security challenges facing the nation.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Saawua Gabriel Nyityo, the President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association Worldwide, stated that the lecture’s purpose was to emphasize the contributions of public service in safeguarding national security.
