Buratai visits operational base, confers with Abia’s deputy governor

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, yesterday paid a one-day working visit to the operational base of Operation Python Dance II at the Nigerian Army Language Institute (NALI) in Isuikwuato Local Council of Abia State where he held a closed door meeting that lasted for one and half hours with Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu.
Though the military chief never stated his intention of coming, but Chukwu, however, told newsmen that the visit was to inspect operational facilities at the institute, describing the ongoing operation as a routine exercise.
He said the activities were to address security issues in the land, adding that the event also provides the authorities a platform to re-train soldiers on newest tactics and global practices.

The immediate past COAS and a native, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd) commended his successor for nurturing the institute, which he birthed.
Buratai was received by the Commandant, Brigadier General John Fayehum alongside the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Major General Adamu Abubakar and Commander, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Brigadier General Abdulkhalifa Ibrahim among other top officers.
Also yesterday, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu declared that he would not dethrone the traditional ruler of Afara Ukwu Ibeku Autonomous Community and father of IPOB leader, Eze Isreal Kanu.
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The governor was reacting to a call on Sunday by a group, Umuahia Youth Movement, asking him to unseat the monarch in 24 hours.
They had hinged their demand on Kanu’s alleged immense contribution to the current tension in the state.
In the letter by its president, Ifeanyi Okwudili, the group threatened breach of peace if their demand does not get favourable response.
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But another group, Ibeku Youth Assembly, has warned against the removal.
However, Ikpeazu who was at the Presidential Villa, Abuja to brief Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the security situation in his state, told State House correspondents that there was a difference between Kanu and his father.