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GENERAL BURATAI IN THE EQUATION OF INSECURITY DOWNPLAY IN TINUBU’S GOVERNMENT BY FEMI OYEWALE
GENERAL BURATAI IN THE EQUATION OF INSECURITY DOWNPLAY IN TINUBU’S GOVERNMENT
BY
FEMI OYEWALE
BURATAI– As Nigeria prepares for a fresh phase in its democratic existence on May 29, 2023, a peaceful environment for socio-economic and cultural growth has, yet again, become a critical issue in the mix. This is essentially so because the country, unarguably reputed as one of the biggest markets for raw and finished goods on earth, attracts humans of all kinds to its geographical space. Incidentally and over the years, anti-democratic forces in collaboration with fifth columnists, constituted themselves into national security nuisance, disrupting activities across sectors.
As of mid-2022, the orchestrated violence has cost the country 11% of its GDP and N119 billion loss of revenue. Similarly, projects worth about N12 trillion have been abandoned according to data from Town Talk Solutions. Looking ahead, these challenging scenarios, Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All-Progressive Congress, APC, now President-Elect, had, in October 2022, unveiled his presidential agenda where he prioritized security. Titled “Renewed Hope 2023 – Action Plan for a Better Nigeria,” Tinubu affirmed that he would continue with the social investment programmes of the Buhari-led administration.
The President-Elect equally added that total transformation of Nigeria can be achieved, building on the foundation laid by the APC administration of President Buhari. Specifically, he emphasized that security is the “bedrock of a prosperous and democratic society”, assuring that his administration would make it a fundamental responsibility to protect the life and property of its citizens by mobilizing the country’s national security, military and law enforcement assets to protect all Nigerians from danger and the fear of danger.
“The current government has made important inroads. When it came into office, the Buhari government met a situation in which terrorists had planted their flags and claimed Nigerian territory as their own. “The Buhari government eliminated these incursions against our national sovereignty, bringing peace to many areas. Thousands of formerly displaced people have returned home to rebuild their lives,” Tinubu disclosed. However, and interestingly so, General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), was the arrowhead of the team that helped President Buhari’s government to achieve these significant successes in the reduction of insurgency which Tinubu has promised to build upon.
Essentially, the pre-Buhari government was a session of anger in the land where nihilism became the official dictum through organized terrorism. The peace in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, was displaced by vengeful, omnidirectional hatred. On assumption of office in 2015, this ugly situation provoked President Buhari to employ a trusted and tested General to change the insecurity narrative in Nigeria. Lieutenant General Yusufu Tukur Buratai (rtd), was widely recommended on account of his outstanding military pedigree. He was, unarguably, the pick of the pack. And he became the Chief of Army Staff in July 2015. Buratai hit the ground running and soldiered on.
Despite distractions ostensibly by segmented bashings from some misinformed stakeholders and sections of the human rights groups who orchestrated hugely unsubstantiated allegations, Buratai continued in a most commendable fashion. He provided leadership and inspired the troops to work harder through dedicated strategies.
Notably, Buratai intelligently enhanced Army-Civilian relationship with the Northeast populace including other parts of Nigeria as a major step that turned the tables against insurgents during his time. He reinvigorated joint civil-military operations, comprising all operational formations of the Services with a central coordination Headquarters which coordinated civil and humanitarian activities. These strategies greatly assisted the joint force commander.
Humanitarian, national-assistance operations, theatre campaigns and civil-military operations worked concurrently and cohesively. With these strategies, the military under Buratai sustained the tempo of operations and kept up the aggressive assaults on insurgents as well as enhanced collaboration and synergy with other sister agencies.
Towards the last half of 2020, the bandits had been overwhelmed. They were calling for negotiations through some prominent individuals. This was as a result of the pressure mounted on the bandits. Many of their fighters, collaborators, logistic suppliers and informants were neutralised, captured or escaped out of the country for safety.
By the time Buratai left office in early 2021, the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents have been confined to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region, with no territory under their control and largely carrying out hit-and-run skirmishes.
Curiously, President Buhari beckoned yet again for “Another important assignment”, a few days after Buratai ended his selfless service in January 2021. The former Chief of Army Staff was faithfully obliged to take part, as fully as he can, in any measure designed, in particular, to keep the constituent ethnic units in the federation of Nigeria as one as well as preserve Nigeria as an economic and political entity. But, this time, through diplomatic channels.
The President’s brief was clear and straightforward forward, especially from the already well-known international influence, funding and support for the insurgency in Nigeria. Given his deep understanding of the President’s intentions because of his direct involvement in counter-insurgency operations for a reasonable length of years as Army boss, Buratai easily subsumed into Buhari’s tactical design to secure Nigeria’s borders through neighbouring countries as an ambassador.
He particularly felt it would be untidy of him to abdicate such responsibility when the war against insurgency was yet over.
He reckoned that there was an important need to reinforce service chiefs’ efforts from the outside through diplomatic push and support. Expectedly, his resumption at the Republic of Benin as Ambassador was the needed signal to smugglers of arms and architects of economic sabotage that the game was over.
He reawakened all the unused diplomatic regulations including bilateral relations in line with the science and philosophy of international laws to ensure appropriate diplomatic steps were deployed without infringement on fundamental rights. He injected fresh directives into their operational codes, maintaining that never again should the border become the hub of economic sabotage and illegal arms snuggling.
Just in his early 60s, it is morning yet for Buratai in national service. His unmatched professionalism, military skills and understanding of Nigeria’s security issues blended with diplomatic knowledge perfectly recommend him for the Defence portfolio in Tinubu’s government.
Femi Oyewale is the President of the National Association of Online Security Reporters and Publisher of Sahara Weekly magazine and SaharaOnline.
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Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai
Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai
The Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS, Nigerian Army) and Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador (Lt General rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR has said that Lagos State has all the qualifications of a modern city and is one of the most populated cities in Sub – Saharan Africa. He went further to affirm that Lagos is also indicative of the degree to which Nigeria’s economic, political, social, and cultural landscape is deeply embedded within the global system.
He made this assertion on Wednesday 20th November, 2024 as the keynote Speaker at the Second Edition of the Lagos State University of Education Security Summit, with the theme: Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai, while delivering the lecture in a paper titled: Lagos in Nigeria’s National Security and Defence Architecture: An Analysis.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai postulated in his paper that, “The presence of strategic military installations, the verse Atlantic Ocean and extensive coastline has placed Lagos State on the strategic defense map of the Armed Forces of Nigeria”, He said further that, ” While the sea provides a strategic economic status it could also be vulnerable to external attacks across the ocean”.
In his paper, Ambassador Tukur Buratai reiterated that the Lagos State government should begin to look at the options and implications of having its own security.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai also emphasized the urgent necessity to bolster our nation’s troop level to 800,000. He said a larger and more robust force will enhance operational readiness, improve our country’s capacity to respond to various contingencies, and strengthen our alliance on the international stage.
He also called for the establishment of a Marine Corps for the Nigerian Navy to be strategically stationed in key regions such as Lagos, Borno, Cross River, and Port Harcourt.
He also raised the pressing issue of the persistent lack of stable power supply in Lagos. He asserted that the Lagos State Government must urgently prioritize the development of independent power generation.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai also lauded the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strategy regarding security in Lagos, which provides an example for governor’s throughout Nigeria. He said the governor recognizes that genuine security transcends mere physical presence or reactive measures. He commended the governor’s innovative approach, which has redefined the urban governance, and has also set a benchmark for other states to follow.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai also recalled that during his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff, he had the distinct privilege of witnessing the fruitful collaboration between the Nigerian Army and Lagos State under the leadership of Former Governor Ambode and now Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Ambassador Buratai, during the lecture, also appluaded the Lagos State Government on its infrastructural development in Lagos State, especially the Red and Blue Railway lines.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai also commended the Federal Government interventions in the development of Lagos State, while applauding the construction of the Lagos to Calabar Highway, he adviced the Lagos State and Federal Government on the security implications of opening up the high way, he suggested to the government to be proactive by early planning for its security when opened and becomes operational.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education, Prof B. B Lafiaji-Okuneye welcomed Ambassador Tukur Buratai to the institution. In her words, she said, ” The great warlord and global peace ambassador is visiting our great institution for the first time. Sir, we appreciate you and what you stand for. Your desire for a Nigeria that is peaceful and safe, where the citizens and residents are free and are given every opportunity to prove their worth and contribute to the growth and development of the nation is evident “.
While making his contribution during the summit, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Lagos State, appreciated and commended Ambassador Buratai for adding value to the security summit and more importantly adding value to the Lagos State University of Education. The Commissioner also drew the attention of the participants of the summit to parts of Ambassador Buratai’s paper, where he elaborated on the strategy of social inclusiveness rather than the use of force to curb insecurity.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Barr Tolani Sule on behalf of the Lagos State University of Education, presented a Plague of Honour to Ambassador Buratai for his role in nation building.
Other discussant at the Summit included, HRM, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, (Arolugbade 11, the Oloja of Epe Land and the Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs), HRM, Oba Momodu Afolabi Ashafa ( The Aladi of Ijanikin Kingdom), HRM, Oba (Dr) Aina Josiah Olanrewaju ( IKUYAMIKU 1, the Oloto of Oto Awori Kingdom) and HRH, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP ( ALADESHOYIN, the Paramount Ruler of Odo – Noforija Kingdom), all of whom spoke on the theme :Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.
The event which was attended by various Traditional Rulers, Members of the Governing Council and Senate of the Institution, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education in Lagos State, Barr Tolani Sule, Captain of Industries, Security and Para Military Chiefs in Lagos State, various invited guests and the students.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai’s delegation to the summit included, Lt General Lamidi Adeosun (rtd), Former Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Army, Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola (rtd), Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, Alhaja Toyyibat Adeosun, Alhaji Isa Dogo amongst others.
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Health, Insurance, And Entrepreneurship To Take Centre Stage At NASRE Foundation’s Third Media Outreach Event
*Health, Insurance, And Entrepreneurship To Take Centre Stage At NASRE Foundation’s Third Media Outreach Event
The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has announced the third edition of its Media Outreach Programme, scheduled for Thursday, 21st November 2024, at LTV 8, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, beginning at 12:00 pm.
In a statement by NASRE’s Media Director, Lateef Owodunni, explained that the last outreach for the year will not only focus on supporting vulnerable journalists, such as widowed and ailing members of the fourth estate, but also aims to empower active journalists through impactful sessions on health, insurance, and entrepreneurship.
“Our goal for this last edition of our outreach for the year is to broaden the scope of support we offer. Beyond providing relief to vulnerable journalists, we are introducing sessions on health, insurance, and entrepreneurship to ensure active journalists gain valuable insights that can positively impact their careers and personal lives,” Owodunni stated.
The Media Outreach Programme, which has benefitted numerous journalists in its earlier editions, is designed to foster solidarity, growth, and resilience within the media community.
This third edition promises to bring together media professionals, associations, and stakeholders in an inspiring and empowering atmosphere.
NASRE invites journalists, media associations, and enthusiasts to participate in this landmark event, which highlights the importance of care, collaboration, and innovation in addressing the challenges faced by those in the journalism profession.
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Nollywood Star, Arike Akinyanju Signs Multimillion-Naira Endorsement Deal with Busbis Fabrics
Nollywood Star, Arike Akinyanju Signs Multimillion-Naira Endorsement Deal with Busbis Fabrics
Celebrated Nollywood actress, Arike Akinyanju, widely known as Eyinju Olodumare, has added another feather to her cap by signing a multimillion-naira endorsement deal with a Lagos-based textile powerhouse, Busbis Fabrics.
The deal, sealed on Monday, November 18th, 2024, marks a significant collaboration between the renowned actress and the top-rated luxury fabric brand. Busbis Fabrics, located at Royal Prince Supermarket, 7/8 Akerele Street, opposite Deeper Life Church, near Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, is known for offering exotic fabrics and accessories that define elegance and sophistication.
Busbis Fabrics is a leading name in the fashion industry, specializing in premium fabrics and accessories that cater to every occasion. With a reputation for excellence and luxury, the company’s partnership with Eyinju Olodumare aims to expand its reach and solidify its position as a go-to destination for high-quality fashion materials.
Speaking about the endorsement, Arike Akinyanju expressed her excitement over the deal, noting her admiration for the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation in the textile industry. “I am thrilled to represent a brand that embodies luxury and elegance. Busbis Fabrics is a name I trust, and I look forward to showcasing their stunning collections to my fans and followers,” she stated.
The endorsement will see Eyinju Olodumare serve as the brand ambassador for Busbis Fabrics, promoting its extensive range of luxury fabrics and accessories. With her influence and star power, the partnership is expected to enhance Busbis Fabrics’ visibility and attract more customers from across Nigeria and beyond.
Busbis Fabrics prides itself on delivering unmatched quality and an array of exotic fabrics for special moments, including weddings, parties, and other grand occasions. This partnership with a Nollywood star underscores their dedication to aligning with high-profile personalities who resonate with their brand values.
This endorsement is yet another testament to Eyinju Olodumare’s versatility and influence in the entertainment and fashion industries. As she embarks on this exciting journey with Busbis Fabrics, fans and customers alike are eager to see the magic this collaboration will bring to the world of fashion.
For those seeking unparalleled luxury and style, Busbis Fabrics, located in Gbagada, Lagos, is the ultimate destination.
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