Immediate past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai (retd), says he miraculously survived compulsory retirement in 1999 after being listed by ex-President, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Buratai made this known on Thursday during the handing ceremony to Maj Gen Ibrahim Attahiru at the Army Headquarters Conference room, Armed Forces Complex, Abuja.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari, had on Tuesday, appointed new service chiefs following the immediate resignation and retirement from service of Buratai and others.
In his address, the former COAS thanked the president for the honour of serving the nation in the highest capacity possible in the Nigerian Army.
Buratai also extended gratitude to officers and soldiers who showed patriotism, dedication and commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
He recalled that he may not have reached the pinnacle of his career had it not been for “God’s grace”.
His words, “Going down memory lane, it is something of a miracle. I would have retired from service 21 years ago after being promoted to major in rank. I had the privilege of being sent off by my mates but providence prevailed.
“President Olusegun Obasanjo had compiled our names for compulsory retirement. My subsequent return and continued service are completed by God’s grace”.
Buratai, however, assured that he is retirement is historic because I believe the “Nigerian Army will never remain the same again”.
