Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Tukur Buratai, has been tasked to swiftly hit the ground running by enhancing trade relations and trans-border security between both nations, especially around the Seme Border.
A civil society organization, Nigeria First Movement, which gave the charge on Friday, said Buratai is tailor-made for the job owing to his vast experience in military and diplomacy.
Lt. Gen Buratai (rtd) and immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olanisakin (rtd) were on Tuesday presented with letters of credence as envoys to Benin and Cameroon respectively.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Secretary-General of the group, Comrade Augustine Richard Adie, noted that Buratai’s appointment is a welcome development at a time the nation’s border is under several threats.
Adie added that with Buratai, trade relations between the two countries will be strengthened more than ever, leading to more foreign exchange for Nigeria.
Recalling his stint as Army Chief, Adie hailed Buratai for a successful campaign against insurgency in the country which had translated to peace and security to several parts especially in the once-troubled North-East
He, however, advised members of the opposition party and other disgruntled individuals to stop the campaign aimed to malign Buratai’s image.
Expressing total confidence in his ability, the group called on all Nigerians to extend support for the country’s new Ambassador to the Benin Republic.
According to Adie: “Nigeria First, heartily congratulates Ambassador, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) on his recent appointment. We are happy to finally acknowledge that “the Best man for the job has finally arrived”.
“Knowing about the way Nigerians have continuously expressed their enraged feelings about the matters of insecurity in the country, ever since when Boko Haram insurgency has taken the country unaware since 2009 when they began a violent campaign in North-East Nigeria, everyone now believes in every reason to tighten up our security portals.
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“Having fought a good fight to subdue and weaken internal terrorism and banditry in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari took a great strategic move on this appointment because he was satisfied with your performance and your great knowledge of international diplomacy.
“Therefore, Mr President saw the need to expand frontiers in the war against insurgency in the country, which in our opinion culminated in the appointment of the former service chiefs as non-career ambassadors to galvanize the much needed regional support at addressing the threat posed by the Boko Haram insurgents.
“For the record, Nigeria has never experienced a much peaceful time as compared to when Buratai was Chief of Army Staff since the rampage of Boko Haram had begun.
“The appointment of TY Buratai is a welcome development in terms of the development of diplomacy and national security.
“His appointment at a time when Nigeria’s border is under several threats is a wise decision made by the administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari. This move is vital and strengthens trade relations between the two countries.
“Buratai is the ideal candidate for this position owing to his vast intellect and diplomatic skills. The current position to which he has been recently appointed must be handled delicately. It requires someone with profound intellect and experience. We are happy that Buratai has been chosen as the man for the job.”
