Remains of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj-Gen. Chris Alli, have been laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alli, who died at the age of 79 in Lagos on November 19, 2023, was Nigeria’s 15th COAS. He served from 1993 to 1994 under the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
He later served as the military governor of Plateau from August 1985 to 1986 during the regime of Military President lbrahim Babangida, as well as Interim Administrator of Plateau in 2004 under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The funeral was attended by National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Bola Tinubu; former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and representative of Plateau governor.
Also in attendance were serving and former service chiefs as well as other prominent Nigerians. The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of the national flag to the late Alli’s next-of-kin and the laying of wreaths by dignitaries and the widow, Mrs Dorothy Alli.
Before the internment was a funeral Mass at St. Joseph Military Catholic Church, Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja. In his remarks at the funeral, Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, said the deceased served Nigeria with dedication and worked for peace, development and unity of the country.
Badaru, represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, added: “The late COAS had significant influence on professionalising and repositioning the army to be a force to reckon with in both regional and global scenes.” He added that the late General lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
“Chris Alli’s transition has created marvelous memories of a loving father, brother, uncle, colleague, comrade and confidant. To many nationwide and overseas, the nostalgia in some social cycles, sequel to his recent glorious passing, underscores his legacy of enviable character, patriotism, love and service to Nigeria and Nigerians.
“We cannot but appreciate the Almighty for the life and the good times of this our cherished hero. To this end, we indeed owe him a duty to promote the values that he connected with, as we pursue national peace, development and unity for our people,” the minister said.
Incumbent COAS, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the deceased demonstrated passion and devotion to duty throughout his lifetime, which was characterised by love for country and service to humanity. At the funeral Mass, the Acting Director, Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Col. Anthony Maimagani, admonished people to live exemplary lives.
The Guardian
