A story was told of a grocery store owner whose only cow supplied the milk he sold to the small town where he lived. However, he left the cow to roam the village in the daytime in search of food. This meant that the cow occasionally wandered into people’s farms and grazed on their crops. This led to several confrontations and complaints between the inhabitants of that town and the owner of the cow until he decided to sell it off. Suddenly there was no more fresh milk again at the grocery store. People began to complain and finally realized that the poor wondering cow was the source of their milk.

The story above validates the saying that you do not know the value of what you have until it’s taken away from you. Human nature is often given to criticisms rather than commendation. Our empathy and sympathy are short-lived and often directed at people we have an emotional attachment with only. The lack of national unity or the threat to national unity has polarized us and created a mindset that is bent on discrediting even the most professional persons saddled with the affairs of the state if they fail to play according to our dictates. National interest is often sacrificed at the altar of selfishness and greed regardless of the pain it will cause others. We are always quick to attack people especially when their strength and accomplishments intimidate us.

History is replete with people whose laudable efforts are never recognized and appreciated. People who have lived their lives in the shadows protecting everyone and doing their bits to make nations safe and secured. From the M16 to the KGB down to the Mossad or any spy or security organisation you can think of, some men have sacrificed their identities, families, and comfort for national service. The current Nigeria’s Amb to Benin Republic, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Lt Gen T. Y Buratai (Rtd) is one of the rare sacrificial and yet unsung heroes. Nigeria has never experienced the level of professionalism that this gentleman brought to bear on the nations most potent and active military arm. Under his leadership the Nigerian army recorded the highest recoveries of territories from insurgents.

Like the proverbial cow that does not know the importance of its tail until when it’s cut off, some Nigerians have began to run down Amb giants strides as he continues to share his wealth of military experience accross the globe. A man whose silent achievements have not only led to the containment of widespread, coordinated, and sponsored uprisings against Nigerians and infrastructure, but is also been the sole reason while Nigeria is not a safe haven for terrorists. He left the army in full control of the situation. Lt Gen T.Y deserves some applause. No nation would have survived what was thrown at Nigeria by enemies of our shared values except for astute patriots like Amb Buratai whose only source of fulfillment lies in the battles they win for their country.

In recent times, Nigeria has come under different threats ranging from Boko Haram to Bandits and separatists such as IPOB and Oduduwa Republic agitators, who were bent on subverting the sovereignty of Nigeria and exposing Nigerians and our national assets. Tackling security threats like these require shared experience ,synergy, intelligence and that is what Amb Buratai has being doing since his appointment as Mr president Representative in the West African Country.

Those whom for unpatriotic reasons are calling for a colision against the Ambasador less than one year into his appointment by Mr president are making a big mistake . Just like the proverbial cow, they might realize the importance of the tail that safeguards them from ‘flies’ only when the tail is cut off.

But fortunately, Nigerians have woken up to fight for their own, the one working for the interest of the nation. As can be seen in the public support enjoyed by Amb Buratai both in diaspora and home. This is a wake-up call to all well-meaning Nigerians.

Nigeria would have been a free state for insurgents save for the immense contributions of Gen Buratai.Siding with the enemy against your country and her leaders is not just unpatriotic but also treasonable..

We must remember that no country will ever grow amidst real and artificial crisis. Crisis slows down economic growth and scares investors. One does not need a history lesson to know that countries like Libya, Yemen, Syria, and many other conflict zones around the world are no-go areas for tourists and investors. Nigerians must appreciate the professional and patriotic conduct of Amb Buratai and many others for laying their lives to protect and give wise counsel to the nation. The high volume of direct foreign investment in Nigeria is a direct indicator that with synergy, sustainable development is feasible. Both local and foreign investors are confident of protection over their physical assets and infrastructure in the country . This great feat is made possible by Mr Presidents commitment to good governance which is in sync with Amb Buratai wishes for his country.

History will be fair to Amb Buratai for his tireless efforts and his praises will be sung on the lips of many Nigerians for the great work he is doing for his country. That will sure be the best way to spur the relentless hero to greater achievements and wins.

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