Buratai: “Obasanjo Nearly Retired Me 21 Years Ago” |The Source

By  Akinwale Kasali

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Rtd, has revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo almost retired him from the Army 21 Years ago when he was President.

Buratai said he was nearly retired by  Obasanjo  describing his attainment of the rank of Lieutenant General and Chief of Army Staff as historic.

He made this disclosure during his official handover to Major General Ibrahim Attahiru at the Army Headquarters, boasting that the Army will never remain the same after his exit.

The former Chief of Army Staff did not, however, disclose the offence he committed which nearly led to his premature retirement, or why he was spared.

“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo almost retired me 21 years ago when I was a Major. My retirement after 40 years of Service is historic, hence, calls for gratitude”. Buratai said.

Buratai thanked troops serving home and abroad, insisting the Army will not remain the same owing to his transformational leadership and landmark achievements.

He added that the Nigerian Army has been better positioned with intelligence gathering techniques and equipment.

Buratai said the security situation across the country is largely stabilised under his watch.

He noted that his tenure will be remembered for improved professionalism, improved responsiveness to personnel welfare and responsiveness to Nigeria’s Democratic system.

Attahiru, however, solicited the support of soldiers and officers to reposition the Nigerian Army.

He thanked President Muhamamadu Buhari for finding him worthy, adding that  he counts himself lucky to have been chosen.