Buratai to Army Officers: Democracy must be sustained

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), has urged Nigerian Army officers to spot themselves arsenic defenders of ideology and custodians of nationalist stability.

“You indispensable stay loyal. Democracy indispensable beryllium sustained and maintained. Whatever the challenges, I judge ideology itself volition lick them. Loyalty is precise cardinal arsenic a subject serviceman — adjacent successful retirement, we inactive support that loyalty,” Buratai said connected Tuesday successful Abuja during the decoration of 2 elder officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, Col. Ibrahim Bunza and Col. Adetunji Idowu, precocious promoted to caller ranks.

He charged the officers to stay loyal, disciplined, and committed to the sustenance of democracy, noting that promotion marks the opening of caller responsibilities that indispensable beryllium matched with hard work, integrity, and professionalism.

“I retrieve vividly erstwhile I was promoted to Colonel. That fertile signifies the opening of a caller era. If you indispensable get to generalship, it starts now. Your performance, attitude, character, and disposition to work volition find your aboriginal ranks,” helium said.

Buratai, who served arsenic the 20th Chief of Army Staff (2015–2021), congratulated the recently promoted officers, describing them arsenic disciplined, battle-tested, and worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police.

Speaking astir Col. Bunza, who served arsenic his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Buratai commended his dedication and composure during challenging moments, including operational visits to the North East.

“He was my past ADC, and God made it successful specified a mode that I had him. He was calm, calculated, and maintained subject among each my adjacent aides. He is battle-tested. I retrieve 1 of our visits to the North East erstwhile we came nether fire, but helium remained composed throughout,” helium said.

Buratai besides praised Col. Idowu for his enactment arsenic Commander of the 6 Provost Group successful Port Harcourt, describing him arsenic “a disciplined and resilient serviceman who commanded successful a precise challenging situation and came retired with his caput high.”

He emphasized the value of a unchangeable home, urging the officers’ spouses to enactment their husbands and guarantee their homes positively bespeak connected their show successful service.

The retired wide further encouraged continuous self-development and nonrecreational learning, saying, “Even successful retirement, I proceed to learn. In February, I obtained a certificate successful Communication and Leadership from the University of Cambridge. So don’t halt improving yourselves.”

Earlier, the Provost Marshal (Army), Maj.-Gen. Mathias Erubelu, thanked Buratai for his mentorship and for approving the operation of the Corps’ contiguous office during his tenure.

He congratulated the recently promoted officers, describing their elevation arsenic a merchandise of hard work, diligence, and divine favour.

“Promotion comes from God, but not without hard work. There were 298 officers presented for promotion, but lone 225 made it. So, this is simply a privilege that comes with responsibility,” helium stated.

Responding connected behalf of the recently promoted officers, Col. Bunza expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Provost Marshal for their assurance and mentorship.

“We guarantee the Nigerian Army of our renewed committedness to service, loyalty, and upholding its halfway values. We are besides grateful to our families, colleagues, and friends for lasting by us,” Bunza said, portion besides appreciating Buratai’s mentorship, describing him arsenic “a begetter and person whose guidance shaped our careers.”

The station Buratai to Army Officers: Democracy indispensable beryllium sustained appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.