Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, has strongly advised those hoping for Nigeria’s disintegration to abandon such ideas, asserting that the nation will remain united.
According to The PUNCH, Buratai made these remarks in Kuta, Osun State on Sunday during the 60th birthday celebration of the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude.
The event drew notable dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, among others.
Highlighting Olowu Kuta as a detribalized Nigerian who extends love to all ethnic groups, Buratai criticized those advocating for the country’s division.
He suggested that anyone wanting to secede should be prepared to relocate their territory to the ocean.
Reflecting on the lessons from the civil war, Buratai emphasized that attempts to divide Nigeria are destined to fail. He called for unity to foster the nation’s development.
“Nigeria is one,” Buratai affirmed. “Unless you remove those who are agitating and drift them to the Atlantic, we will remain one Nigeria. Anybody who wants to leave Nigeria should carry the part of the land and take it to the Atlantic, not within Nigeria’s territory. The level of integration is very clear.
“There are many Hausas here, and many Yoruba and Igbo in the north. Politics should not cloud our sense of unity and sovereignty.
“Anyone dreaming of leaving Nigeria is delusional. We had a bitter experience during the civil war. It’s not something to joke about,” Buratai warned.
He urged Nigerians to embrace peace and prioritize development, stressing the importance of taking concrete actions to strengthen unity rather than making mere statements.
Oba Oyelude, in his address, pledged to continue advocating for Nigeria’s unity and progress. He encouraged well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the country’s unity and development.
