No one can fault the incredible job I did as COAS —Buratai

Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (Rtd), the immediate past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has boasted of the incredible job he did while he was at head of the Nigerian Army in the past five years.

Buratai who retired from the Nigerian Army on January 26, before being nominated as a non-career Ambassador by President Muhammadu Buhari on February 4, alongside other Service Chiefs who also resigned, was speaking with journalists after a special gala night organised in his honour by members of the 29th Regular Course Association of the Nigerian Defense Academy in Abuja at the weekend.

Giving himself a pass mark, Buratai said:

“It’s an honourable retirement and also an honourable appointment.

“As the COAS, I did very well.

“I am happy that in July last year, my officers at the Army headquarters compiled a compendium of my achievements.

“In fact, I can’t even remember all the projects that we have executed. Is it in terms of infrastructure? Is it in terms of capacity building? Is it in terms of training?

“Since I was appointed, there was never a dull moment in terms of training.

Read also: After seven months in detention, military court releases soldier who criticised Buratai

“Remember the various exercises. These are training exercises from ‘Python Dance’, ‘Crocodile Smile’, and even the latest one ‘Exercise Sahel Sanity’.

“Is it in the area of medical? In terms of education of our children and wards, the Nigerian Army University are all great achievements.

“I think you can write volumes and volumes of books in terms of the achievements depending on the perspectives you want to take.

“It feels great to be celebrated by my colleagues at this point in time.

“It means a lot to me in terms of respect, in terms of the show of love.

“It’s something of pride that you have been recognised for the service you have rendered to your nation and people.”

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