The former Chief of Army Staff,.Lt General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is poised to implement innovative and bold measures to make public service more efficient and accountable.
Buratai said this while presenting a paper entitled Public Service and the Imperative for National Security In Nigeria at the University of Ibadan Alumni Association public lecture 2023 held at the Alumni center on Friday.
He said: “As an objective political observer of political developments in our country, I strongly believe that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is poised to implement innovative and bold measures to make public service more efficient and accountable.”
“With a track record of excellence in both the private and public sectors, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges facing our nation and the urgency of finding lasting solutions to them.”
“I am particularly impressed with the President’s commitment to transparency, due process, and meritocracy, which are vital ingredients for a modern and effective public service. I am confident that with the right policies, strategies, and leadership, President Tinubu’s administration will transform our public service into a world-class institution that delivers quality service to citizens and enhances our national competitiveness.”
Speaking on the role of public servant, the former Nigerian Ambassador to Republic of Benin said “Public Service plays a crucial role in making a state tangible entity that people intereact with in regular basis wether directly or indirectly “.
“As a retired military officer and citizen. I believe that the public service is responsible for delivering essential services and supporting the needs of the state and its people”. This belief stems from my understanding that the public service is a fundamental institution that is designed to serve the interest of the public. Through efficient and effective public service delivery, we can build stronger and more resilient communities, foster economic growth, and promote social cohesion.
Buratai who also noted that a well functioning public service helps to build trust in government and promote social cohesion which is essential for maintaining peace and security however advise that the governments should prioritize recruitment, and training of competent public servants and provide them with the necessary resources and support to carry on their duties effectively.
The Chairman of the event Dr Mike Okiro a former Inspector General of Police in Nigeria, who was represented by DCP Adejobi Akinade in his brief remark urged members of the public to coperate with security agencies in their fight against insurgency and all sorts of anti society vices.
The National President of UUIA earlier in his speech said the choice of Lt Gen Buratai as guest lecturer and the topic is reinforced by their belief that there is a strong connection between good public service delivery and national security.
The event which was attended by Traditional rulers including Olowu of Owu Kuta Oba Hammed Oyelude Makama, Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Adebisi, other Royal Fathers both from the Northern part of the Country and the Southwest, the Representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, representatives of University of Ibadan VC, the Vice Chancellor of the Nigeran Army University Biu, cross array of Serving and Retired Military Personnels, captains of Industries, the academic community and others. The event was climaxed with presentation of award and Honourary membership emblem of the University of Ibadan Alumni association to Ambassador Tukur Yusufu Buratai.
