The immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), has revealed why he became the Chief of Army Staff in 2015.
Speaking on Sunday night during a gala night organised by the 29th Regular Course Association in Abuja in his honour, Buratai said he became the country’s army chief because of his father’s love for President Muhammadu Buhari.
He thanked the President for choosing him to serve the nation and giving him a free hand to tackle insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements in the country.
Buratai, however, confessed that it was a tough time serving as the army chief, adding that he discharged his responsibilities to the best of his ability.
Speaking further, Buratai thanked the President for finding him worthy to serve the country again as an Ambassador-designate.
The former army chief pledged to represent the country very well and also project the country’s image in good light wherever he is deployed to.
He said, “My father was an ardent lover of the President and my appointment as COAS, therefore, was a price or reward for that gesture by the President.
“Of course, and as you have been told severally, we (the President and I) met in Njemena and he saw me and felt I was the right person to be COAS at that very crucial and critical moment of our history.
“And I am happy that we have discharged our responsibilities diligently, professionally and loyally, and I will continue to discharge my responsibilities to him and of course to our country and our people.
“On a final note, I must appreciate all Nigerians, my well-wishers, the youths, elders, men and women for their continuous prayers, goodwill and support to me and the Nigerian Army in the course of our duties to bring about peace and security in our country.
“It was a tough time but we’ve weathered the storm. I am retired but definitely not tired Insha Allah.
“We have left great legacies in the Nigerian Army that I hope will last the test of time by God’s grace.”