Governor Yahaya Bello, of Kogi State was among dignitaries from all walks of life present at the burial of Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Chris Ali at the military Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday.
Also present to pay their last respects to the late Chief of Army Staff were former military Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Former Minister of Defence, General Abdulrahman Danbazau, and numerous other dignitaries from various spheres of life.
Speaking at the burial ceremony, Bello paid a glowing tribute to Ali, commending him for what he called his unparalleled patriotism and unwavering commitment to the country.
The governor who attended the burial ceremony in company with the state governor – elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, the Nigerian Army, friends, and colleagues of the former Chief of Army Staff.
Bello described the late General Ali as an extraordinary Nigerian patriot who fearlessly risked his life in the defense of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He described Ali as a quintessential Army General, whose impeccable passion for peace, development, and progress of Nigeria was unmatched.
The governor urged the family to take solace in the distinguished and exemplary life the late Army officer lived.
Born on December 1, 1944, in Koto-Karfe, Kogi State, Maj.-Gen. Ali held esteemed positions, serving as a former Chief of Army Staff and military administrator of Plateau State.
Ali who died at the 78 years had a distinguished career, including his role as the Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) before his well-deserved elevation to the position of Chief of Army Staff.
The late Army General also demonstrated his leadership during a critical period, serving as an interim administrator of Plateau State in 2004.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
