Books can be written about my achievements, says Buratai

Tukur Buratai, immediate past chief of army staff, says he performed well while in office.

Speaking with reporters at the weekend in Abuja, Buratai said there is a “compendium” of his achievements at the Defence Headquarters to speak for his stewardship.

He spoke on the sidelines of a gala night organised by members of the 29th Regular Course Association of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

The retired lieutenant general and other ex-service chiefs were recently appointed as ambassadors by President Muhammadu Buhari days after.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has since criticised the appointment, alleging that the president is shielding them from prosecution.

However, the presidency described their appointments as a reward for hard work.

The former army chief said he will not respond to the opposition party because he is not a politician.

“It’s an honourable retirement and also an honourable appointment. I’m not a politician, so I have no word for the opposition. I have done well,” he said.

“I am happy that in July last year, my officers at the army headquarters compiled a compendium of my achievements. I can’t even remember all the projects that we have executed.

“Is it in terms of infrastructure? Is it in terms of capacity building? Is it in terms of training? Since I was appointed, there was never a dull moment in terms of training.

“Remember the various exercises – training exercises from ‘Python dance’, ‘Crocodile smile’, and even the latest one ‘Exercise Sahel Sanity’.

“I think you can write volumes and volumes of books in terms of the achievements depending on the perspectives you want to take.”

While in office, Buratai and the former service chiefs received knocks for not handling the insurgency in the north-east very well.