The leadership and the entire members of Coalition of Ethnic Youth Leaders of Nigeria (CEYLON) wish to seize this golden opportunity to congratulate His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on a perfectly deserving appointment as the Ambassador of Nigeria to the Benin Republic.
The former COAS, who left service early this year, is one of the three former Service Chiefs appointed as Ambassador-Designates on the 4th February 2021. This is an appointment that came when bonding is much needed to strengthen further the relationship between these two countries- Nigeria and Benin Republic.
There is no doubt that Lieutenant General TY Buratai (rtd) contributed immensely to national development, as exemplified in his impeccable record of service. He, therefore, deserves nothing less after the relentless, unforgettable, and selfless service he rendered to this nation. Indeed, Nigeria will remain grateful to him for his selflessness and tremendous efforts at handling the counterinsurgency efforts and other security challenges in the country.
His appointment and that of his colleagues as diplomats have also shown further the length and new direction Mr. President is trying to give to the fight against insurgency in our dear nation. Indeed, the fight against terrorism and insurgency is not rocket science. Therefore, to further succeed in clamping and ending this fight, a continuous, enlightened, and flawless relationship must be built with other countries, especially our African counterparts.
There is no doubt that the appointment is most deserving because Lieutenant General Buratai (rtd), is one general who has been in the front line fighting this war for over 5 years. We dare say he is one of, Nigeria’s best COAS, with a track record superseding all his predecessors. He performed at a time when insurgency was at its peak, amidst a lack of funds and equipment. Yet, this General came and liberated Nigeria from the shackles of Boko Haram terrorists.
Before he took over as COAS in July 2015, many local government areas in Borno and Yobe states were inhabited by Boko Haram terrorists. Many roads were closed, markets and towns vanished, innocent Nigerians were displaced from their rightful homes. However, Lieutenant General Buratai came and with utmost sincerity and determination made sure all these things were put behind us. Normalcy returned to those places and for once, Nigerians had hope that they were incapable and in safe hands.
May we also use this opportunity to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing him as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic. The appointment is a clear testimony that the President is satisfied with his performance the first time and therefore didn’t hesitate to bring him back in a different capacity. That notwithstanding, we wish to call on the President in the future to put this man’s knowledge and experience to greater use in a greater capacity, for, there is more where that knowledge and experience comes from.
Signed by
Morgan Ochekwu
Spokesperson
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