President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and his predecessor, Ahmad Lawan, have expressed shock and sadness over the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, saying his demise is a huge loss to the country and the security community.
Gen. Lagbaja, as announced by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, died in a Lagos hospital after a period of sickness.
Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom described the late Lagbaja, as a fine officer, who gave his all for the territorial security and unity of the country.
The Senate President said he received the news of the death of the late military chief with shock, few days after he had spoken with the president and was upbeat about his return to office.
“I received the news of the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, with shock. His death, coming at a time the country needed his wealth of experience in tackling and bringing to an end insecurity in some parts of the country, is a huge loss to the country and the security community.
“He was a fine, committed and dedicated officer, who served the country with all his might, even at the risk of paying the supreme price.
“On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I commiserate with the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the military community, the larger Lagbaja family on this great loss.
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“I pray that Almighty Allah, grant his wife, children, colleagues and those who knew him, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and also grant the soul of the departed gallant officer Aljanah firdaus.”
Also, Lawan, who is currently the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, condoled President Bola Tinubu; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, and the entire nation over the loss.
The former Senate President, in a statement he personally signed, said Lagbaja was a dedicated and patriotic officer who served the country with distinction.
“As Chief of Army Staff, he played a significant role in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges confronting our nation. His leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians will be sorely missed.
“During his tenure, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja initiated and implemented several innovative strategies that significantly improved the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army. He was instrumental in enhancing the welfare and morale of troops, ensuring that they were adequately equipped and trained to effectively discharge their duties.
“The death of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is a great loss to the nation. His experience, resolve and patriotism that characterized his illustrious career will be deeply missed.
“The Senate Committee on Defence is committed to honoring the memory of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja by ensuring that the Nigerian Army remains a formidable and effective force capable of safeguarding our nation.