Since Lt.Gen. Tukur Buratai resumed as the 29th Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria in 2015; the Nigeria Army has witnessed tremendous growth and transformation that has elicited commendation from various quarters. This transformation has indeed given Nigeria its pride of place in the continent and the world over and has generated accolades in its multitudes.
I call Lt.Gen. Tukur Buratai the soldier’s soldier because he is an infantry general and one who has been active on the war front, especially the Boko Haram war in North East Nigeria. Suffice to state that he was at a time Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTNF) before he was appointed Chief of Army Staff. But before then, Lt.Gen Tukur Buratai has held strategic positions in the Nigeria Army that in a way shaped his approach to issues, and why his reign as Chief of Army Staff has been indeed a huge success.
He was at a time the director, Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College and later Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, amongst a host of other strategic appointments. And his exploits have been phenomenal hence the numerous medals he has on his chest. Some of them include Forces Service Star (FSS) Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS) Grand Service Star (GSS), Pass Staff Course Dagger (psc (+), Field Command Medal, Training Support Medal, and the United Nations Medal for Angolan Verification Medal II.
So, upon his appointment as Chief of Army Staff, I didn’t have any reservation as to his capacity to deliver and reposition the Nigeria Army. And I was not wrong. The Nigeria Army under Buratai has received commendations from concerned stakeholders in the fight against terrorism. One of them was the conferment of the Brazilian Military Order of Merit Award on Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai by the Brazilian Military in recognition of his exemplary and world’s recognized leadership qualities and the Nigerian Army’s effort in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
The Brazilian Military Order of Merit Award is awarded for distinguished service and exceptional contributions to Brazil by members the Brazilian Army and the armies of friendly nations. This award which was instituted in 1943 has seen notable recipients from all over the world. Some of them prominent recipients include:Edward Almond a senior United States Army officer and the best known as the commander of the U.S. X Corps during the Korean War, Raymond Thomas Odierno who served as the 38th Chief of Staff of the United States Army and Lyman Lemnitzer, a United States Army general, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1960 to 1962. He then served as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO from 1963 to 1969. And many more.
So to think the Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai was so deemed worthy of this award by the Brazilian Military is indeed a testament and as well as an indication that his exploits towards repositioning the Nigeria Army, and the sustained fight against Boko Haram Terrorists are indeed worthy of commendation.
The Institute of Management in Nigeria also recognized his sterling qualities and awarded him the Presidential Award for Excellence for the victory recorded by the Nigeria Army over the Boko Haram sect in the north-eastern part of the country. In a statement by the Institute, it stated that “This rare feat could not have been possible without the intervention of Lt. Gen Buratai, who upon assumption of duty, swiftly demonstrated his leadership skills and military prowess coupled with patriotic zeal, to tackle headlong, the nefarious activities of the insurgents, which threatened our national cohesion.”
I see these feats as service to the fatherland and a call to obey to serve our fathers land with love and strength and faith to build a nation in peace and unity. The exciting part of Buratai story is that it is generational. His father, the Late Pa Yusuf Buratai who was a non commissioned officer of the Nigeria Army fought for the unity of Nigeria and humanity. He fought for peace to reign in his lifetime. And his son took over from him and had continued to lead the Nigeria Army in the fight against Boko Haram Terrorists. To say that Lt.Gen Tukur Buratai has done well is an understatement. He has done excellently. His leadership drive has seen the Nigeria Army record tremendous success not only in the fight against terrorism but also keeping other parts of the country safe and secured.
And the big one that necessitated this tribute is the recent nomination of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai by TheNigerian (News Portal and TV) for the Millennium Achievers Award taking place in London in recognition of his contributions to global peace and security, and for surpassing the postulation of global experts on tackling Boko Haram terrorism. While it might seem like an ordinary recognition, I dare to say it is not usual because this award is strategic as well as psychological which in my opinion is intended to spur him to greater heights.
While this is timely and commendable, I would also use this medium to state the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai is deserving of much more. His leadership skills have been tested and brought to bear. And he has also demonstrated the capacity to ensure that the Nigeria Army stays professional in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities to the country. Some might call him the man of the year; some might also call him the Achiever of the Millennium. But I choose to call him the Soldiers’ Soldier. And that is what he is. And it is hoped that the relevant authorities in Nigeria give him the required support that he deserves.
Onmeje wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.
