Buratai’s posting to Benin strategic, commendable, says HURIWA

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a civil rights advocacy group, has hailed the recent announcement of Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd) as Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin Republic.

The group’s boss, Emmanuel Onwubiko, described the designation as strategic; a masterstroke by President Muhammadu Buhari towards utilising the former army chief’s wealth of experience in service to the country to end the problem of artificial borders.

In a statement jointly signed by National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and Media Affairs Director Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA said the appointment of Buratai is a rare display of insight by the President because of the gains that would accrue to the country in the task at hand.

It expressed delight that Buhari thought it expedient to use experienced and purposeful diplomatic leadership in addressing the problem of the Nigeria-Benin porous borders.

It said there are no doubts as to Buratai’s ability to deliver in the critical task before him, noting that his resume is rich and replete with acts of patriotism that would make any nation green with envy.

“Irrespective of some misgivings in certain quarters, due to lack of clarity, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai left indelible landmarks on the sands of time and built a formidable progressive military institution before his voluntary disengagement from service to fatherland.

“Borderlands are both melting pots and security hotspots. Often neglected in the development strategies of postcolonial states, they are an arena for cross-border crime and represent a dynamic place of historically fostered cultural and socio-economic exchange at the same time.

“One of the most vital border regions in West Africa is the frontier between Nigeria and Benin. Both economies depend, to a large extent, on their cross-border trade, illegal and legal.

“Nigeria’s new envoy to Benin Republic is no stranger to security issues and is well-positioned to render invaluable services in revising cross-border lines and improving economic and trade relations between the two countries. We commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in this regard because Nigeria would be the ultimate beneficiary in this trying period in the country.”