A former Minister of State for Defence, and Senator representing Abia Central at the National Assembly, Senator Austin Akobundu has described the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, as an Officer of the finest order whose loyalty to the nation and dedication to duty led to the greatly improved security situation the country is now experiencing.
The Senator stated this while condoling with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces and the family over the death of Lagbaja which was announced by the federal government on Wednesday.
In his condolence message, Akobundu lamented that “death snatched Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja at a time Nigeria needed him most to consolidate on the achievements of our security architecture especially in the last one and a half years in its fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and such other heinous crimes that were choking the citizens.
“His choice as Army chief by President Tinubu soon started paying off immediately he assumed office as he demonstrated a rare commitment to the safety and security of the country and her citizens. These attributes, including those of exceptional intelligence and bravery, saw him rise steadily in the army until he got to the pinnacle of his illustrious career. Sadly, he was taken away by the cold hands of death.
“We cannot question God to whom alone belongs the power to give and to take, except to take solace in Him. There is no doubt that we will miss the General greatly.
“The people of Abia Central, my family and I share deeply in the grief of his loved ones and wish to assure the President and the Nigerian Army of our solidarity with them over this painful loss.
“While we pray the Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest, we ask Him to give the family and all those affected by his death the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the message concluded.
