Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai has said that the insecurity being faced in the Nigeria since 2009 was the creation of the political class.
Buratai in his paper presented at the 2nd Stanza 2023 Public Lecture Organized by the Alumni Association of the University of Ibadan, said with a very strong will to confront insurgency, it can be surmounted.
He maintained that political interference in military affairs can arise when politicians attempt to influence or control military decisions for their own political gains.
“This is capable of compromising service personnel, who are also public servants, thereby eroding public service.
“My colleagues and I faced the most political interference during our time. This interference often stemmed from lack of understanding of the complexities of military operations, strategy, and the unique challenges faced by military leaders. When politicians impose their own or attemp to micromanage military affairs, it can undermine the effectiveness and autonomy of military leaders.
Furthermore, political interference can erode the morale and trust within military ranks. When military leaders are constantly subjected to political pressures and demands that do not align with military expertise, it can create a sense of disillusionment among the troops. This can negatively impact their motivation, discipline, and overall effectiveness in carrying out their duties.
“During my tenure, I encountered a significant amount of interference from politicians and armchair critics who seemed to believe that the Commander- in-Chief lacked the necessary expertise to fulfill his duties. This unnecessary often hindered the smooth operation of military affairs and impeded the effective execution of plans”
Inspite of ny extensive experience and dedication to my duties, the constant skepticism and second guessing by those outside the military sphere added an unwarranted layer of complexity to the decision making process This interference while well-intentioned in some cases, ultimately created a challenging environment for me.” He stated.
Speaking on the calls for the sack of the then Service Chiefs, by the Nineth National Assembly, Buratai said their call was a call to derail the democracy by the military.
“It is essential for civil authorities to have oversight and democratic control over the military in a democracy, however, those in civil governance should respect the expertise and professionalism of military leaders. There is the need to strike a healthy balance. A healthy civil-military relationship requires mutual trust, respect, and open communication. Politicians should rely on the advice and expertise of military leaders in matters of defense and security rather than playing to the gallery or politicizing national security” Buratai added.
Earlier at the event, the President of the UIAA, Prof. Saawua Nyityo extolled the virtue of the guest lecturer and commended him for his immense contributions to his fatherland.
“This is the man that the Executive Committee has selected to kickstart the celebration of 65 years of the existence of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association. By unanimously choosing him to present its Public Service Lecture today and the topic is: ‘Public Service and the Imperatives for National Security in Nigeria’. UIAA is also affirming that there is a strong connection between good public service delivery and national security.”
Prof. Nyityo also recognised Ambassador Buratai’s efforts in fighting Boko Haram which has been unleashing terror on the Northern part of the country since 2019.
“Amb. Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai rtd, CFR is a household name in Nigeria today for his role in fighting Boko Haram and for channeling his energies and intellect in the service to his fatherland.” He stated.
The UIAA President also said the association has not come to safeguard the interest of its members alone, but also doing its best generate ideas and solutions that will address societal challenge and move the country forward.
“Suffice it to state that the hallmark of our Association is not only to connect with our alumni alone but also link up with worthy members of the Nigeria community to generate ideas and solutions to address societal challenges to move our nation forward. We also seek individual and institutional support for the purpose of contributing to the growth of our alma mater.”
The Chairman of the event, Retired Inspector General of Police was represented by a senior police officer, Adejobi Akinade.
Other dignitaries at the event included: His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Alli Okunmade II who was represented by Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senior Chief Lekan Alabi; His Royal Majesty Oba Khalid Oyebisi, Okere of Saki; His Royal Majesty Oba Hammed Adekunle, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom amongst many other traditional rulers.
Also the University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor was represented by the DVC Administration, Professor Olusola Ayoola.
The highlight of the event was a performance by a traditional troupe who entertained the guest speaker and the entire audience, after which the guest speaker held the audience spellbound for over an hour.