Tinubu Commends Buratai, Hails Transformational Leadership in Nigerian Army
By Matthew Eloyi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), for his contributions to the transformation and institutional development of the Nigerian Army during his tenure.
Tinubu gave the commendation at the public presentation of the book, Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era, on Wednesday in Abuja, describing the publication as an important contribution to documenting Nigeria’s military history and drawing lessons for future generations.
The President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, through the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, said the period covered by the book was particularly challenging, with the armed forces confronting terrorism, insurgency and other asymmetric threats that placed enormous demands on the Nigerian Army.
He acknowledged the service of Buratai and other officers and soldiers who operated under difficult circumstances, noting that the book provides an opportunity to examine not only their operational engagements but also the leadership, doctrine, training, morale, logistics, troop welfare and institutional development associated with the period.
Tinubu particularly highlighted the importance of transformational leadership that goes beyond immediate operational successes to building institutions capable of adapting to changing threats and producing capable successors.
According to him, the Buratai era should be studied critically and objectively so that its achievements, challenges and lessons can contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s security institutions.
The President said the Federal Government was building on the need for a more adaptive and modern security architecture as Nigeria confronts terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, violent criminality, oil theft and organised crime.
He disclosed that government was strengthening intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination, logistics and operational capabilities, while pursuing a comprehensive national threat assessment and a rolling five-year strategic defence operations plan.
Tinubu also stressed that the effectiveness of the armed forces depends not only on equipment and technology but on the courage, discipline, professionalism and sacrifice of personnel.
He therefore called for sustained attention to the welfare, training, morale and professional development of military personnel, as well as support for families of those who had lost their lives in service to the nation.
The President noted that military action alone could not resolve Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing the importance of intelligence, effective policing, justice, border management, community engagement and economic opportunities.
He described security as a collective responsibility requiring cooperation among government, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, communities, civil society, the private sector and the media.
Tinubu congratulated Buratai, the author, Dr. M.S. Abubakar, the publishers and members of the Buratai Legacy Presentation Committee, saying the book would help preserve important lessons on military leadership and national security.
At the event, Defence Minister Christopher Musa also described himself as a direct beneficiary of Buratai’s leadership legacy, particularly within the Nigerian Army. He praised Buratai for identifying and giving opportunities to officers who later rose to senior military positions.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, similarly used the occasion to call for stronger institutions and leadership that would outlive individual office holders, while Senator Ali Ndume commended Buratai and the Nigerian military for their efforts during a difficult period in the country’s security history.