Buhari, Gowon, others pay tributes as Dogonyaro laid to rest

President Muhammadu Buhari, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong, former Head of State, Gen Gowon (rtd), were among dignitaries who paid glowing tributes to the late former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro, who was buried on Friday.

They described him as a patriotic, brave and disciplined officer who gave his all to serve Nigeria.

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President Buhari, who was represented by Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd), said the late Dogonyaro was a “thoroughbred officer whose antecedents in the Nigerian Army remain a reference point and motivation to younger officers.”

He said Nigeria remains grateful to late General Dogonyaro for his gallantry, patriotism, and diligence in service to the nation, particularly during his command of ECOMOG troops in Liberia.

Buhari condoled with the family of the deceased, the people, and Government of Plateau State over the loss of the General, asking them to take solace in his good legacies.

Governor Lalong in his tribute said Plateau State was not grieving over the loss but celebrating a worthy son who made Nigeria and Africa proud throughout his military career.

Gowon who sent in a message through Gen. Jon Temlong, affirmed the testimony of gallantry and selflessness by the late Dogonyaro whom he said showed early signs of greatness shortly after being commissioned into the Army.

Representative of the Liberian President, George Weah, said the government and people of Liberia remain eternally grateful to Nigeria, and in particular General Dogonyaro, and soldiers for the role they played in restoring peace to their country.

COCIN Vice President, Rev. Dr. Amos Mhozo said the testimony of the deceased who was a committed member of the COCIN Headquarters Compound Church showed that God could use people, no matter their backgrounds to achieve his purpose and propagate his word.