The former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), on Saturday, said Nigerians were not appreciative of the efforts by the Army to contain insurgents during his reign as military boss.
The ex-Army boss spoke in Kuta, Osun State, at an interdenominational prayer organised for him by Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, held in the Olowu’s palace.
Represented by two of his coursemates, Major Daniel Banjo (retd) and Wing Commander Mamman Yusuf (retd.), Buratai, spoke through Banjo, and said he was ambushed three times while battling insurgents.
He then assured the community of continued relationship and support even after exiting the Army.
“At the war front, many things happened and Nigerians are not appreciative. Three times I was ambushed and jumped into the bush with my men and engaged the insurgents. My relationship with Olowu of Kuta is divine,” Buratai said.
Also speaking, Olowu of Kuta, Oba Oyelude, said the people of the community would remain grateful to Buratai for the assistance he rendered towards the completion of a bridge linking the community to Ede.
Oba Oyelude said, “For decades, several prominent political officeholders have tried to help us construct Ede/Kuta Bridge, but they could not, but on bringing the request before Lt. General Buratai, he granted it and ensure it was built.
“This is enough achievement for me as a monarch. The bridge is almost a hundred years and now the communities in this area have been linked and the villagers are now liberated.
“My support for the army was borne out of the fact that Buratai is a detribalised Nigerian and the most humane to serve as Army boss. The nation can only enjoy peace if we support the army to succeed in its quest to battle insecurity irrespective of who is in control.”
