The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai on Monday reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to step up fight against insurgency and all sorts of insecurities in the country without jettisoning constitution in the discharge of their responsibilities .
Buratai stated this in Kuta, Ayedire Local Government Area of Osun State, during the official commissioning of the age-long Kuta Ikoyi-Ede link bridge which was constructed by the Nigerian Army.
The Chief of Army Staff, who narrated how his deputy, Lamidi Adeosun, saved his life when he was ambushed by Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East, assured the people of the country that at no distance time, the issue of insecurity would be a thing of the past.
He said Adeosun, who is the present Chief of Training and Operations, was a competent officer, whose effort in rejigging the army paved the way for the successful operations in the battle against insurgency in the North-East.
He said, “When I had the first ambush, he was with me in the vehicle, by my side. It happened on the 18th of September, 2015, and I can see the courage he exhibited.
“And he was able to mobilise the troop to counter the bandits, the criminals, the terrorists out of the way. So, his elevation is not new to me. He deserves it.
“When I was appointed as the chief of army staff I met Lamidi Adeosun at the northeast as the commander of the operation there and he started the rejigging processes of the Nigeria army where we commence our upward and progressive movement toward the technical defeat of Boko Haram. He has proved to be a very loyal lieutenant. When I was first ambushed he stood by me and he proved himself worthy of his new position.
“We have a new army that is determined to be responsive and professional in the discharged of constitutional duties.
“We really appreciate the Olowu Kuta for his support to The Nigeria Army in the midst of bitter criticism, he mobilised Civil Society organizations and the media to correct the ill minds.
“The Nigeria Army engineer is one institution that has played a very important role in infrastructural development even the economic development of our country and we know the role played after the civil war virtually all the roads in those days are done by Nigeria engineer. They are professional, expert and deliver quality as well as a very cheap cost.
Speaking, Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola appreciated Buratai for deeming fit to construct the bridge ,charging the people of the communities to take the advantage of the newly constructed bridge for the economic development of the area.
Oyetola described motorable roads and bridges as crucial for the social economic development of state, explaining the he has embarked on the construction of number of roads c across the three senatorial districts in a bid to boost the economy of the state.
Appreciating Oba Makama for being a pillar of support , the Governror said the monarch has been doing well especially by ensuring that peace is sustained in his domain
Eulogizing the Chief of Army Staff, Governor Oyetola said Buratai as a gentleman, gallant soldier has displayed the character of Omoluabi by donating the bridge to the people of Kuta.
Oyetola further stressed that General Buratai has always assist Osun with security saying he has given maximum support to the state’s security initiative under his administration.
The highly elated monarch, Oba Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama Tegbosun III appreciated the Nigerian Army for the construction of bridge which he said it took the three communities over one hundred years to achieved saying the people of Ede, Ikoyi and Kuta will forever remember Buratai for the laudable gesture.
“General Yusuf Buratai is that angel dispersed from heaven God used to free our community from being a root that lead to nowhere.
“I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for having confidence on General Buratai led Nigerian Army.
“When I became Olowu of Kuta few years ago I made a covenant with God and my ancestors to use every contact and connections at my hand to advance development in Kuta.
“It was the spirit behind the construction of Olowu palace which we are commissioning today, that same spirit took me to sought help from Gen. Buratai for the construction of Osun bridge, the monarch added.
He , however, implored citizens to continue their support for Nigeria armed forces.