Northern govs console Tinubu, wife over demise of COAS

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Wednesday conveyed heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, over the demise of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff,

Lagbaja passed on Tuesday after a protracted illness.

Yahaya, in a press statement signed by the Director-General Press Affairs Gombe Government House Ismaila Misilli, described the late COAS as a distinguished officer who served the nation with remarkable courage and dedication.

“General Lagbaja’s life and career were defined by commitment to the Nigerian Armed Forces and an exceptional dedication to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty amid the ongoing challenges posed by insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities,” the statement partly read.

The NSGF Chairman also noted that the late Lagbaja embodied the values of discipline, bravery, and integrity that characterize the finest traditions of military service, adding that his leadership played a significant role in strengthening the nation’s defence framework and upholding peace and stability.

Yahaya, on behalf of the forum, sent his deepest sympathies to the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who have lost a remarkable leader, colleague, and patriot.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the wife of the late army chief “Mariya Lagbaja, an illustrious daughter of Gombe State from Tula in Kaltungo LGA, and the entire family members as well as the government and people of Osun State where the deceased hailed from, they should find solace in his legacy of valour and service,” the statement added.