Akpabio, Barau, Moro, Lawan mourn Lagbaja
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.Gen Taoreed Lagbaja as a fine officer, who gave his all for the territorial security and unity of the country.
Akpabio said he received the news of the death of the late military chief with shock a few days after he had spoken with the President and was upbeat about his return to office.
A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as 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.”
Senate Deputy President Barau Jibrin extolled Lagbaja’s virtues in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, saying he contributed immensely to the overall security sector of the country.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died last night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“Lt. General Lagbaja served with honour, courage and dedication throughout his distinguished military career. His appointment as Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, reflected his confidence in his leadership, vision and commitment to the security of our nation.
“Lt. General Lagbaja’s life was marked by a relentless devotion to Nigeria and its people. His legacy will be remembered not only in the annals of our Armed Forces but in the hearts of all who knew and respected his work.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, friends and the Nigerian Army and the entre Armed Forces. May his soul rest in peace and may his service and sacrifice continue to inspire us all,” he said.
Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro, on behalf of the senate minority caucus, mourned the demise of Lagbaja.
Senator Moro described the late COAS as a gallant and successful officer who gave his all to the country and died in active service.
The Senate Minority Leader said Lagbaja’s time as Chief of Army Staff saw a great push against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping that are plaguing the country.
He said as the nation mourns the untimely demise of the gallant officer, he hoped that his successor would fit perfectly into the shoes left behind and frontally tackle the security challenges confronting the country and continue to protect her territorial integrity, to achieve the late General’s dreams of a secured and peaceful nation.
Senator Moro extended his condolences to the wife of the deceased, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, the entire family, the President and Commander-In-Chief of armed forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Nigerian Army. He charges them to be consoled with the knowledge that the late General lived an impactful life and has gone to rest with his creator.
