By Lawrence Audu
Former Chief of Army Staff Major General Mohammed Chris Alli has been laid to rest in a solemn ceremony held at the National Cemetery, Abuja amidst eulogies and encomium.
Speaking at his internment, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar celebrated the selfless and sacrificial life of General Alli, whom he said, served the nation and the Armed Forces without blemish.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, stated that the former COAS, made a significant impact on professionalism and repositioning of the NA, to become a force to reckon with both in regional and global scenes.
Speaking further, the Defence Minister, noted that General Alli’s lifetime underscores his legacy of delectable character, patriotism and service to the nation. He urged all personnel to promote the values he connoted, pursue national peace and security, development and unity of Nigeria.
The Defence minister commiserated with the family, relations and the Armed Forces on the demise of the senior officer.
The COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in his remarks saluted the impeccable life of Gen Chris Ali (rtd), his passion and devotion to duty, describing his lifetime as one characterized by service to humanity and a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, which climaxed in his appointment as the 15th Chief of Army Staff from November 1993 until his meritorious disengagement from active service in August, 1994.
General Lagbaja on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army extended condolences to the bereaved families of the former COAS, adding that the senior officer will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
The iconic, Late Major General Mohammed Chris Alli (rtd) served the nation in the Armed Forces of Nigeria in various capacities, leaving behind enduring legacies. Born on 25 December 1944, in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, General Chris Alli’s sojourn in the NA began on 20 October 1967, as a member of the Emergency Short Service Combatant Course.
He served diligently in several capacities, cutting across Staff, Instructional as well as Command appointments and was at a time the Military Administrator of Plateau State.
Earlier, a Funeral Mass was conducted in memoriam of the deceased senior officer at Saint Joseph Military Catholic Church, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja.
Dignitaries in attendance during the funeral are Former Head of State General Abdusalam Abubakar, National security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello, former Chiefs of Defence and Army Staff, traditional leaders, senior officers both serving and retired, among several other dignitaries.
