Abacha’s VP, Diya, loses wife

Chief Deborah Folashade Diya, the wife of Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd), Nigeria’s former Chief of General Staff,  is dead.

Her death was confirmed through a condolence statement issued by Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Adesina said the president had condoled with the former military chief and prayed that God will comfort the family.

He said the President also prayed that the soul of the departed will find rest in God.

“He joined family members, friends and associates of Chief Folashade Diya, particularly members of the United African Methodist (Evangelical) Church, in mourning the devout Christian, who dedicated her time on earth to serving God, and working for the good of others,” he said.

Buhari said the wife of the former Chief of General Staff lived to encourage and inspire many on faith in God, demonstrating love, kindness and generosity through a focus on helping the underprivileged, and counselling many.

Lt. Gen. Diya served as Nigeria’s defacto Vice President during the military regime of late General Sani Abacha from 1994 until he was arrested for treason in 1997.