President Muhammadu Buhari has described the death of a former Chief of Army Staff, General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi, as a “sad loss”.
The President, in a statement issued Sunday by his media aide, Garba Shehu, described the deceased as a thoroughbred professional soldier, an officer and a gentleman whose contributions to the fatherland were “immeasurable”.
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The former Chief of Army Staff and member, Supreme Military Council and Armed Forces Ruling Council died on Saturday at the age of 81.
President Buhari, who said General Wushishi had a distinguished military career, added that; “we are proud of his impressive service to the country”.
According to him, “General Wushishi was an epitome of discipline and dedication to service, and he was a role model for both the officers and the rank and file.”
The President condoled the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, as well as the government and people of Niger State.
Wushishi died when Nigeria needs him – Obasanjo
Similarly, a former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, noted that Wushishi died at a time Nigeria “is still expected to reap from his wide experience.”
In a condolence message made available to newsmen in Abeokuta by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo extolled the virtues of the late Chief of Army Staff, which included building an efficient and effective Army.
The former President is currently in the Gambia monitoring the Presidential elections in his capacity as the Chairman of the Commonwealth Election Observers Mission.
Obasanjo, according to Akinyemi, said that; “late Lt-Gen Wushishi had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Armed Forces which he joined in 1961.
“He held several Command positions culminating in his elevation to the position of Chief of Army Staff between 1981 and 1983 during the administration of President Shehu Shagari in the Second Republic.
“He played a significant role in helping to keep our dear country together during the Nigerian crisis of 1966 – 1970.
“As Chief of Army Staff, he worked tirelessly to build up an efficient and effective Army with capacity for local training of its personnel.
“As a member of the Military Government, who served in different capacities, he made significant contributions towards building a strong and united country.”
The former President added that; “there is no doubt that the whole nation and in particular the Nigerian Armed Forces would deeply mourn the passing of this outstanding soldier, a patriotic Nigerian and a humane gentleman.
“We are comforted by the fact that throughout his lifetime, he achieved so much for the country and attained the peak of his chosen career through diligence, hard work and dedication to professionalism.
“In and out of service, he showed humility and love for his colleagues and the nation and contributed to national development as a private businessman and a provider of employment for many of our people.
“Little wonder therefore that his efforts were rewarded with the revered national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON.
“It is unfortunate that the country has lost Lt-Gen. Wushishi (rtd.) at a time it still expected to reap from his wide experience.
“We pray Allah to grant the soul of Lt-Gen. Wushishi a peaceful rest, and the family, the good people of Niger State and the entire nation the courage to bear the irreparable loss.”
