November 15, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to National Security, saying the country will continue to stand firm and well-protected against her enemies.
The President made the pledge during the internment ceremony of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on Friday, at the National Cemetery in Abuja.
He urged men and officers of the service to rededicate themselves to the principles and love of the nation, the principles he said the late Army Chief represented.
“This general dedicated himself to the preservation of the house we call Nigeria because of him and men and women like him, this house shall stand firm and well protected. At a moment like this, we must look to the greater purpose and deepest meaning of itself, individually, we all are nothing but mere leaves in the wind. But when collectively wielded to great purpose, we become a strong house”, he said.
Describing the tenure of the Former COAS as brief, the Nigerian Leader said his tenure earmarked a transformative period as the nation intensified its fight against insurgency and banditry.
President Tinubu said Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s passion marks the end of an era characterised the exceptional military leadership and unwavering dedication to national security, remarkable achievement in the fight against terrorism.
“His tenure though brief earmarked a transformative period in Nigerians’ fight against insurgency and the banditry, embodied the true essence of visionary military leadership, his passion marks the end of an era characterised by exceptional military leadership, unwavering dedication to national security, a remarkable achievement in the fight against terrorism.
“While we are saddened by his passing, we still celebrate his life, thus we must rededicate ourselves to the principles and love of a nation for which he stood. As such, I am filled with pride in the remarkable career of the selfless professional who gave everything for Nigeria.
“At moments like this, we must look to the greater purpose and deepest meaning of itself, individually, we all are nothing but mere leaves in the wind. But when collectively wielded to great purpose, we become a strong house.
“To you officers, to you the gallant officers, please do not let death defeat us, lift your heads in pride, in memory of your army chief. At the moment, he would have told you to honour him by pressing on gallantly with the unfinished business and further. Fight along, Struggle alone, and I as Commander in Chief, renew my pledge to you today that the country will always support you and your families as you defend and protect our nation”, he pledged.
Highlighting the qualities of the COAS, the President said Lt. Gen Lagbaja, was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served the Nigerian nation well.
“Today is a solemn day for the nation and for me as commander in chief for on this day, at this place, we lay to rest a soldier’s soldier, a General and officer, who symbolised the best of his profession, and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.
“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well. More than that, he was also a man of prudent action, who cared more for his nation and for those who served under him than he ever did for himself, yet the hands of God work in his own sovereign way, the plans of God we cannot fully discern”, he said.
The President, who described Lt. Lagbaja’s appointment as the best made so far in his administration, disclosed that “As president and commander in chief of the armed forces. I worked closely with him. He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments left. Lt. General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier. “He had an abiding faith and the capability and readiness of our armed forces to save, keep us from ills.”
The Nigeria Leader lauded the late COAS military prowess which he said included the role of the military in securing and defending the country, its people and constitutional democracy.
“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja had a clear understanding of the role of the military in securing and defending our country, its people and hard-won constitutional democracy. He displayed uncommon valour in the charge of his duty earning the admiration of the rank and file for he cared about their welfare and that of their Families”, he said.
President Tinubu recalled Lagbaja’s role in the prompt payment of the outstanding group Life Assurance benefits to the families of deceased persons.
Also, THEWILL recalls that President Tinubu conferred a posthumous national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja
“Owing to his passion for the soldiers and colleagues, we give some needed financial relief to the deceased families, clearing a backlog that has been growing since 2011″, Tinubu said.
The President further condoled with his wife, children and family saying Lt. General Lagbaja’s sacrifices will not be forgotten.
The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, described the late Army Chief as a true patriot, whose legacy of defence and security for Nigeria will endure as an inspiration for generations to come.
Present at the event were the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the leadership of the National Assembly led by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Abdulrazak Abdulraham, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, Members of the Executive Council, Chief Justice of the Federation, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Others are Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Director General Directorate of State Security Service, Adeola Oluwatosin, Former NSA, Babagana Munguno, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Royal Fathers, amongst others.
The Presidency announced the demise of the late Army Chief, who passed away on Tuesday, November 5, at age 56.
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