President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, mourned the passing of the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, describing him as a “fine officer”, who worked hard to safeguard Nigeria.
Akpabio recalled how a few days ago, he had spoken with the deceased and received assurances about his recovery, adding that the news of his death came to him as a rude shock.
His media aide, Mr Jackson Udom, in a statement, quoted Akpabio saying, “I received the news of the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, with shock. His death, coming at a time the country needed his wealth of experience in tackling and bringing to an end insecurity in some parts of the country, is a huge loss to the country and the security community.
“He was a fine, committed and dedicated officer, who served the country with all his might, even at the risk of paying the supreme price.
“On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I commiserate with the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCON, the military community, the larger Lagbaja family on this great loss.
“I pray that Almighty Allah, grant his wife, children, colleagues and those who knew him, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and also grant the soul of the departed gallant officer Aljanah firdaus.”
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, said Lagbaja was a dedicated officer, noting that he would be sorely missed.
In a conference message he personally signed, Ahmad, a former President of the Senate, wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“On behalf of the Senate Committee on Defence, I extend our deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa; the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, and the entire nation.
“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was a dedicated and patriotic officer who served the country with distinction. As Chief of Army Staff, he played a significant role in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges confronting our nation.
“His leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians will be sorely missed.
“During his tenure, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja initiated and implemented several innovative strategies that significantly improved the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
“He was instrumental in enhancing the welfare and morale of troops, ensuring that they were adequately equipped and trained to effectively discharge their duties.
“The death of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is a great loss to the nation. His experience, resolve and patriotism that characterized his illustrious career will be deeply missed.
“The Senate Committee on Defence is committed to honoring the memory of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja by ensuring that the Nigerian Army remains a formidable and effective force capable of safeguarding our nation.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
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