A former Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai (rtd), has accused politicians and the political class of being responsible for the insecurity facing the country since 2009.
Buratai stated this on Friday while speaking in the second stanza 2023 National Public Service Lecture and the 65th anniversary of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association.
He also slammed those who called for his sack over insecurity in the country while he was in office, saying such a call stemmed from personal biases rather than an objective evaluation of his performance.
Burarai added that the call for the sack of the Service Chiefs by the Ninth National Assembly was to derail the democracy through the military.
He said, “These individuals might have held negative opinions of General Buratai based on subjective factors, such as personal preferences or biases unrelated to his actual capabilities. It is crucial to approach discussions regarding national security matters with a fair and impartial mindset, focusing on relevant aspects rather than personal biases and idiosyncrasies.
“The National Assembly had twice or more passed resolutions calling for the sack of the service chiefs. The President, Muhammadu Buhari, had told the Ninth National Assembly to mind their business. If properly interpreted, the call by the Ninth National Assembly was to derail the democracy by the military.
“This should be a lesson for political actors. It was a direct confrontation blaming the Service Chiefs as if they were the ones who started the insecurity. the insecurity being faced in the country since 2009 was the creation of the political class. With a strong political will, it can be surmounted.”
Buratai advised politicians, public servants as well and civil servants to live above board by eschewing corruption which has plagued the country’s political sphere for decades.
He said misappropriation of public funds, bribery, and embezzlement have become too common, diverting resources away from essential services and leaving citizens disillusioned.
The former Army Chief also advised politicians to be accountable and transparent, stating the lack of accountability has eroded public trust and hindered development.
“Politicians often make lofty promises during election campaigns but fail to deliver once in power. The lack of accountability erodes public confidence and perpetuates the perception that politicians are more interested in the people,” he added.