Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, has said he was nearly retired by former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, 21 years ago at the rank of Major.

He described his attainment of the rank of Lieutenant General and Chief of Army Staff as historic, The Nation reports.

Buratai, who made the disclosure during his official handover to Major General Ibrahim Attahiru at the Army Headquarters, said the Army will never remain the same after his exit.

According to him: “Former President Olusegun Obasanjo almost retired me 21 years ago when I was a Major. My retirement after 40 years of Service is historic,hence, calls for gratitude”.

Thanking troops serving home and abroad Buratai insisted the Army will not remain the same owing to his transformational leadership and landmark achievements.

He added the Nigerian Army has been better positioned with intelligence gathering techniques and equipment.

Buratai said the security situation across the country is largely stabilised under his watch.

He prided his administration will be remembered for improved professionalism, improved responsiveness to personnel welfare and responsiveness to Nigeria’s Democratic system.

The new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, solicited the support of soldiers and officers to reposition the Nigerian Army.

He thanked President Muhamamadu Buhari for finding him worthy, adding he counts himself lucky to have been chosen.