The remains of a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Chris Alli, were laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery yesterday in Abuja.
Alli, who died in Lagos on November 19, was Nigeria’s 15th COAS, from 1993 to 1994, under late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
He was 79.
Alli had served as the military governor of Plateau State from August 1985 to 1986 during the government of military President Ibrahim Babangida, as well as the Interim Administrator of Plateau State in 2004 under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The funeral was attended by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Bola Tinubu; former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and representative of Plateau State governor.
Also at the funeral were serving and former service chiefs and other prominent Nigerians and family members.
The burial was climaxed with the presentation of the national flag to the next-of-kin of the late COAS, and the laying of wreaths by dignitaries and the deceased’s wife, Mrs. Dorothy Alli.
Before the burial, there was a funeral mass at St. Joseph Military Catholic Church, Mambilla Barracks in Asokoro, Abuja.
Defence Minister Muhammed Badaru said the late COAS served Nigeria with dedication and worked for peace, development and unity of the country.
Badaru, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said: “The late COAS achieved significant influence on professionalising and repositioning the army to be a force to reckon with in both regional and global scenes.”
The minister added that the late General Alli lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said the deceased had demonstrated passion and devotion to duty throughout his lifetime, which was characterised by love for country and service to humanity.
According to him, Alli exhibited unrivalled sense of duty and dedication to service, and his love and passion were evident in all he did.
At the funeral mass, the Acting Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Col. Anthony Maimagani, admonished people to live exemplary lives before their death.
