Gen. Buratai (Rtd.) Presents Letter Of Credence To President Patrice Talon Of Republic of Benin

Nigeria's retired Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has formally presented his Letter of Credence to the President, Republic of Benin, Patrice Talon.

In his remarks, President Talon shared vision of expanding and deepening all aspects of the bilateral relations between the two nations as well as a desire for greater collaboration on regional and international issues.

As Nigeria’s chief representative in Benin Republic, Ambassador Buratai will be tasked with implementing the government’s foreign and trade policies with his host country.

He was recently reported to have played a crucial role in the arrest of a leader of Yoruba Nation agitation, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, in Benin Republic.

Igboho and his wife were arrested at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou around 8pm on July 19, 2021, while they tried to catch a flight to Germany through an Air France plane.

Buratai, a former Chief of Army Staff, was appointed as non-career Ambassador along with other former service chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari after their retirement.

The appointments, which triggered much outcry, with critics calling on the Senate to reject their nominations, were eventually confirmed on February 23, 2021, by the lawmakers.

Senate President Ahmed Lawan during the confirmation said the former service chiefs served the country to the best of their abilities.

Senator Lawan had urged the Executive to utilise their experiences as much as possible and they should be posted to countries where they will be useful.