22nd November, 2023
By Oladapo Udom
The Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to the family of the Late Maj.-Gen Chris Alli.
He lamented the exit of the former senior army officer and said the deceased possessed an unrivalled sense of duty and dedication to service in his lifetime.
Lagbaja penned this in his remarks in the condolence register at the residence of the deceased, at 22, Chris Alli Crescent, 2nd Avenue Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos State.
Alli, who was also a former COAS between 1993 and 1994 died on Nov.19 in a military hospital in Lagos, a few days to his 79th birthday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagbaja arrived at the residence some minutes after 11:00 a.m. and departed before noon, after going into the premises to meet the family members and also filling the condolence register.
Lagbaja wrote that Alli’s love and passion for the Nigerian Army was evident till the end because he never allowed his frail health to hinder him from attending Nigerian Army functions and activities.
“Although a former COAS, he, in his usually characteristic sense of duty, still led a team of former Chiefs of Military Intelligence (CMIs) to my office on a courtesy call.
“The Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria will surely miss your wise counsel,” the COAS wrote in the condolence register.
Recall that Lagbaja had earlier declared a three-day period of mourning in honour of the deceased, according to a statement signed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu.
The three-day mourning period started on Monday, following the demise of the major general on Sunday.
In the statement, Lagbaja had directed all Nigerian Army formations and units to hoist their flags at half-mast, as a symbol of collective grief and respect.
He also mandated all personnel to wear black hand bands in remembrance of the late former COAS.
“Maj.-Gen. Chris Alli dedicated his life to serving the nation through the Nigerian Army with indefatigable commitment and professionalism in the defence of our nation.
“In this time of grief, the Nigerian Army stands in solidarity with the family, friends and loved ones of the late Major General,” Lagbaja had said in the statement.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in for Late Alli, with many retired military chiefs and other notable personalities signing the condolence register seen in the residence.
Retired Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, wrote that the nation had lost a great officer and gentleman, and prayed for the repose of his soul.
A former Chief of Naval Staff, retired Adm. Alison Madueke, wrote that Nigeria had lost a gentleman officer, a cerebral and reliable comrade, and prayed for his brave soul to rest in perfect peace.
Also, Rev. Fr. Francis Ike of the Catholic Church of Assumption said that Alli served the Lord and the nation.
“May God who has given you to us grant you eternal bliss in the kingdom,” Ike wrote.