Coalition of CSOs appeal for appointment of Buratai as CDS

A coalition of civil society groups under the aegis of Global Peace and Life Rescue initiative (GOPRI) has made an appeal to President Mohammadu Buhari to, as a matter of national importance, appoint the present Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai as the next Chief of Defence Staff in the event that he makes up his mind to appoint new service Chiefs.

Executive Director of GOPRI, Amb. Melvin Ejeh made the statement in Jos, Plateau State on Monday while appraising the war against terror in Nigeria.

The group made this demand on the heels of several media reports suggesting a major change in the Armed forces. Anxiety has been reported at its peak in the Nigerian Armed Forces as indications are ripe that President Muhammadu Buhari may effect changes in the nation’s military leadership any moment soon.

He described Buratai as the best Chief of Army staff in Africa and commended Mr President for appointing such a patriotic and selfless officer in the first place.  He believes his re-appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff will sustain the war against terror and other forms of criminality bedeviling our dear country.

“Our army chief is an Icon of national unity, and a square peg in a square hole. When President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him the COAS and urged him to lead the counter-insurgency campaign in Nigeria, the clarity of his irresistible choice never dawned on many country men and women until now.

“He came on a rescue mission at a time when the group Boko Haram had gone riot, killing, maiming, holding captives and claiming territories within the Nigerian nation. Today, all that has been consigned to the past due to the exceptional endowments of this fine officer.

“The Global Terrorism Index 2017 report is a clear confirmation that we are winning the war against terror and need someone with vast counter terrorism experience like Gen Buratai to sustain and win the war.

“Gone are those day when civil societies lay back and watch the activities of the military from afar. We have since decided to actively get involved, especially to forestall what happened during the last administration where monies meant to persecute war against terror found its way into individuals pockets and jamborees which led to the death of innocent and countless civilians and soldiers alike.

“Apart from personally leading the war from the theater most times, Gen Buratai is passionate about troops   families and welfare.

“We are also witnesses to how the Chief of Army staff saved our dear country from a group of separatists through his laudable initiative called ‘Operation Python dance’ in the South East as well as his strides against militancy in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region.

“As a coalition that is firmly rooted and informed about what is on ground especially in the north east, we are familiar with the progress made and the challenges that still needs to be addressed hence. We believe it will require a man with full understanding of the war and situation in the North East to sustain the tempo and win the war for the overall benefit of Nigeria.

“Its on this premise and many more that we passionately appeal to Mr President to Appoint Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai as the Next CDS, and other educated, independent, credible, incorruptible, young energetic, international, and locally tested operational officers to replace the current service chiefs in the event he’s ready to re-jig the Armed forces”, he stated.