By Abimbola Ogunnaike
A political support group of President Bola Tinubu on Monday, 12 June, 2023 hailed the contributions of late Chief MKO Abiola, and former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, for upholding the country’s unity.
The group under the umbrella of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Vanguard noted that while the late politician and businessman should be remembered for championing the course of democratic struggle on June 12, 1993, Buratai should also be honoured for spearheading a transformative campaign to restore peace and stability to embattled regions in the North.
A statement issued in Abuja on Monday, 12 June, 2023, by the Publicity Secretary of BAT Vanguard, Femi Ibitoye, explained that the nation needs to honour its past and secure the future while reflecting on the gains of June 12.
Ibitoye also praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for immortalising Abiola when he declared June 12 as Democracy Day in 2018.
While stating that more attention always seems to be given to people in control of Nigeria’s leadership with little concern for people like Buratai who fought to rescue the country from division, chaos, and insurgency.
“In the heat of these attacks and with the government of the day dumbfounded on how to tackle these challenges, hope beaconed on Nigeria’s democracy when the government of former president Muhammadu Buhari appointed General Tukur Buratai as the new Army Chief in 2015 to 2021.
“Assuming duty as the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai dealt a great blow with the Boko Haram sect, thereby providing stability to Nigerian democracy. With the bombings at United Nations House, police headquarters, Nyanya Motor Park, Abacha Barracks Market and their consistent propaganda, Nigerians became afraid and began to develop a sense of defeat psychologically.
“Under his leadership, the Nigerian Army underwent comprehensive reforms, with emphasis placed on enhancing training, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with international partners. Through Operation Lafiya Dole, he mobilised troops across the frontlines, engaging in fierce battles against Boko Haram insurgents, significantly degrading their capabilities.
“As we mark our democracy day, it is pertinent that we place the protection and defence of our democracy in the hands of men and women who have proven their leadership qualities in various capacities over time, so we can continually enjoy the dividend of democracy and live together as one Nigeria,” Ibitoye said.
