Musa: This is foot print of Buratai’s leadership
By John Nwokocha, Abuja
It is not every day one finds inspiring story of act of kindness by a gallant soldier of the Nigerian Army.
The flip side of the army occasioned by some bad eggs in the troops is the common story the public is too familiar with. So, many still do not know that soldiers risk their lives for the safety of other citizens.
Aside the sacrifices the Nigerian troops in the forests of Sambisa in Borno state, north east of Nigeria, make by engaging in fierce counter-insurgency battles , some soldiers still find the time to render noble humanitarian deeds to fellow citizens in need of special help in any environment they found themselves notwithstanding.
This is a story of uncommon display of compassion by a soldier: Ebuka Nwabueze. This exceptional act happened not too long ago.
He stayed back despite the booming and shattering sounds of gun fires by Boko Haram who were closing in on the village to help an expectant mother (pregnant woman), in labour pain put to bed. She was safely delivered of a baby boy. The excited woman felt she should pay Ebuka’s good by naming her baby Ebuka. But no. Ebuka said. Instead, he advised the woman to name her baby Abubakar (a Muslim name, because the woman is a Muslim and Northerner) which means Ebuka
Though interesting, Ebuka’s display of empathy could sound incredible to many. But spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Brigedier General Sagir Musa, said “It is true’, when asked to confirm it. But Musa added that the soldier’s conduct was a reflection of the footprint of General Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff. He said the impactful leadership of the Chief of Army Staff could be felt in any community Nigerian soldiers are deployed in the line of duty and in line with their mandate.