Group Fault Ali Keffi’s “Selective” Claims, Defend Buratai’s Legacy

Group Fault Ali Keffi’s “Selective” Claims, Defend Buratai’s Legacy

The group said Keffi’s comments failed to reflect the true record of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd.).

This was contained in a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Amb. Auwal Ahmad Umar, and made available to journalists in Gombe on Monday.

The group said Nigerians are fully aware of the transformational achievements recorded under Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021. They noted that during his tenure, Boko Haram was significantly degraded and pushed out of several territories, major breakthroughs were achieved against bandit groups in the North-West, and emerging security threats in the South-East were stabilised through coordinated military operations.

According to the statement, the welfare of officers and soldiers improved significantly through better accommodation, training, promotions, and professionalism.

It added that civil–military relations and international military cooperation also advanced to new and commendable levels. These achievements, the group said, are well-documented and widely recognised by Nigerians and independent observers.

The Concerned Citizens expressed disappointment that Major General Keffi, despite serving in key positions during Buratai’s leadership, refused to acknowledge these successes in his televised interview.

They said his silence on these accomplishments was deliberate and raises questions about the motive behind his comments.

The statement explained that Keffi’s retirement followed established administrative and disciplinary procedures within the military, suggesting that his recent remarks may be driven by personal dissatisfaction rather than objective analysis.

The group reaffirmed its confidence in General Buratai’s leadership, saying his contributions to national stability and military reforms remain intact and well appreciated across the country. It urged Nigerians to disregard any statements aimed at distorting historical realities or undermining the legacy of a distinguished patriot.