The remains of former Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Chris Alli, has been laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that Alli, who died at the age of 79 in Lagos on Nov. 19, 2023, was Nigeria’s 15th Chief of Army Staff from 1993 to 1994 under late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
The burial was climaxed with the presentation of the National Flag to the next-of-kin of the late COAS and the laying of wreaths by dignitaries and the deceased’s wife, Mrs Dorothy Alli.
In his remarks at the funeral, Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, said the deceased served Nigeria with dedication and worked for peace, development, and unity in the country.
Badaru, represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, added that ”the late former COAS achieved 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.
“For Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Chris Alli, his transition has exerted marvellous 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 on 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 cherished hero.
“To this end, we indeed owe him a duty to promote the values that he connected as we pursue national peace, development, and unity for our people,” Badaru added.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the deceased had demonstrated passion and devotion to duty throughout his lifetime, which was characterised by love for country and service to humanity.
Maj.-Gen. Chris Alli served as the military governor of Plateau from August 1985 to 1986 during the military regime of President Ibrahim Babangida, as well as Interim Administrator of Plateau in 2004 under the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
