Group charges Buratai to improve bilateral, trade relations with Benin Rep

Tukur Buratai, Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin Republic, has been tasked to hit the ground running by enhancing trade relations and trans-border security between both countries.

At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, head of a group known as The Nigeria First Movement, Augustine Richard Adie, described Buratai’s appointment as a welcome development.

Adie added that with Buratai, trade relations between the two countries will be strengthened more than ever, leading to more foreign exchange for Nigeria.

He, however, advised members of the opposition party and other “disgruntled individuals” to stop the campaign aimed to malign Buratai.

Expressing total confidence in his ability, the group called on all Nigerians to extend support for the country’s new Ambassador to the Benin Republic.

Read the statement below:

Nigeria First, heartily congratulates Ambassador, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) on his recent appointment. We are happy to finally acknowledged that “the man for the job has finally arrived”.

Knowing about the way Nigerians have continuously expressed their enraged feelings about the matters of insecurity in the country, ever since when Boko Haram insurgency took the country unawares, everyone now believes in every reason to tighten up our security portals.

Having fought a good fight to subdue and weaken internal terrorism and banditry in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari took a great strategic move on this appointment because he was satisfied with his performance and great knowledge of international diplomacy.

Therefore, Mr President saw the need to expand frontiers in the war against insurgency in the country, which in our opinion culminated in the appointment of the former service chiefs as non-career ambassadors to galvanize the much needed regional support at addressing the threat posed by the Boko Haram insurgents.

Nigeria is still battling insurgency even with the change of Service Chiefs that most Nigerians had clamoured for. And was that the solution? Has that changed anything?

The appointment of Ty Buratai is a welcome development in terms of the development of diplomacy and national security. His appointment at a time when Nigeria’s border is under several threats is a wise decision made by the administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari. This move is vital and strengthens trade relations between the two countries.

Buratai is the ideal candidate for this position owing to his vast intellect and diplomatic skills. The current position to which he has been recently appointed must be handled delicately. It requires someone with profound intellect and experience. We are happy that Buratai has been chosen as the man for the job.

This is the right reward for a man who has served his country diligently and to the best of his abilities. This is a man who has given his all to the nation and we have no doubt that he will do the same in his current position.

Instead of the fight against insecurity, those of us familiar with the dynamics and state of play in the international arena will see the wisdom behind his appointment. It is a wise move to involve the international community in the fight against terrorism and banditry by appointing an individual who is conversant with the necessities of Nigeria and the various areas in which support is needed.

It is well known that the trans-border security between Nigeria and the Benin Republic is quite low and has been plagued by smugglers and bandits. Buratai’s experience when it comes to tackling insecurity is thus priceless in dealing with border security between Nigeria and the Benin Republic. His diplomatic skills are also sure to improve trade relations between the two countries.

Several businessmen and women have been clamouring over the closure of the Nigeria-Benin Republic border and have explained how the border closure has affected their business. We can boldly say to you all that have faith in Buratai as all issues regarding the Border closure and trade relations will soon be resolved.

Nigeria’s lost revenue to the Benin Republic has been a troubling issue to the country. It goes without saying that no nation can survive without its foreign exchange earnings and Nigeria is in no way an exception. We are certain that the ambassador will employ his sagacity and diplomatic skills to see to the re-opening of the Nigerian-Benin Republic border as soon as possible.

Buratai has been a loyal and patriotic servant to the people of Nigeria.