Following his death at 80 on December 4, former defence minister and military chief’ Gen. Domkat Bali was laid to rest December 28 in his native Langtang, Plateau State. The burial drew past and present millitary big wigs, government officials and traditional title holders from all over the country.
“For once, I preferred death to a boring life as things I value most were either in jeopardy or lost.
“One’s death is painful only to those who stand to lose most. A few would be happy, if by the death, they benefit.’’ This statement is an excerpt from the late Domkat Bali’s book, War Cries.
Bali died recently and was buried in his hometown in Langtang North of Plateau State.
He was a Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff during the Ibrahim Babangida regime.
Prior to that, he held many positions in the military. After retirement he was selected by his people as the Ponzhi Tarok.
As an acclaimed poet-soldier, his military career was also marked by an active life in literary and scholastic pursuits.
He authored several books, including War Cries and Artillery for Bali, as well as articles and contributions in several scholarly journals and publications.
He was a highly decorated officer and recipient of various service awards: Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON), Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), Defence Service Medal, National Service Medal, Republic Service Medal, General Service Medal, Forces Service Star, among others.
The burial ceremony of the late General, which began in Abuja, climaxed in Plateau State.
On December 23, his corpse was flown from Abuja to his house in Rayfield, Jos, for a service of songs.
And on December 28, a funeral service was held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Jos before his corpse was taken to Langtang for final ceremony and burial.
Senior military officers across the country attended the burial, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Minister of Defence, retired military generals, among others.
There were also senior government functionaries, clergymen, members of the press and many other dignitaries in attendance.
Hundreds of military personnel (senior and junior officers), police personnel, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps and other security agents were also on ground to ensure that the burial was hitch-free and orderly.
An interesting aspect of the burial, however, was the cordial relationship between the military, which coordinated the burial ceremony from Jos to Langtang, and the civilian populace who attended the ceremony.
Unlike the strict military function where their ‘space’ is not compromised, at the burial, a mixed interaction was observed. Military officers were seen exchanging pleasantries with many civilians who attended the event.
From the church service in Jos to the journey to Langtang and final ceremony, a cordial interaction among the military and civilian populace was evident.
The refreshment was also coordinated by the military and served by the civilian caterers.
This cordial interaction continued until the military conducted their last ceremonial parade before he was eventually interred.
Also, contrary to the impression that the locals would protest if they were not allowed to pay their last respect to the deceased as their traditional ruler, there was no form of agitation as the atmosphere was peaceful, friendly and calm.
As soon as the corpse arrived in a military ambulance, the general mood of the people was that of grief.
In his remarks at the beginning of the ceremony, his son, Ponfa Bali, described his father as a disciplinarian and forthright person who set the standard for ethical public life in Nigeria.
“I miss his sense of humour. He was a very sociable man and I liked to be around him.
“He was the kind of person you would like to sit around with and just gist.
“Besides, he was very open-minded. I miss all these about him.
“The nation will also miss him so much because he set the standard on how to behave in public life; I mean ethical public life in Nigeria, and how not to let money or power drive you, but rather, be simple, professional and ethical.
“So, Nigeria will miss that legacy and strong message he passed across,’’ he said.
In his tribute, the chairman of Tarok Elders Forum, Venerable Selcan Miner, said Bali lived a life of humility and uncommon concern for humanity, adding that he served the country with honour, distinction and unparalleled integrity.
He further described Bali as a man whose guiding principles and approach to enforcing public and organisational discipline in service remains a classic case of leadership by example.
“As a foundation member of the Tarok Elders Forum, Bali’s views were always words of wisdom and were treated with utmost diligence as guiding light.
“Above all, he was truly a man of peace who was passionately committed to promoting interpersonal and communal harmony.
“The Tarok nation and Plateau State are proud of his heroic service and commitment to our dear country,’’ Miner added.
Bali’s wife, Esther, in her farewell message, said from the start of their marriage during the civil war and his post-retirement period, it was an interesting time of togetherness as they faced challenges of life and triumphed over them.
She said her husband’s steady rise through the ranks was a result of hard work, dedication, commitment and loyalty, adding that his patriotic zeal to uphold the country’s unity dominated his mindset and continued till the end.
Esther further said he was a man of his word and was never afraid to speak the truth, and that he never shied away from his responsibilities. Mrs Bali added that her husband was a good man, gallant officer and a gentleman.
Other tributes came from a former military head of state, Yakubu Gowon, Chief of Staff to the president, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, minister of defence and all the service chiefs.
Others are ministers of women affairs and defence, as well as representative of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, former minister of sports, Solomon Dalung, Beni Lar, who represents Langtang North and South in the House of Representatives etc.
The ceremony was spiced up by military displays and band, supported by choristers, with wonderful renditions.
The funeral was reputed to be one of the most unique in the history of the Tarok nation.
Bali was a dedicated member of the COCIN. He used the opportunity of his 80th birthday celebration on February 27, 2020 to recommit and rededicate the rest of his life to promoting love, peace and goodwill to mankind.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, Dr Nanna Chidi-Emmanuel, and son, Ponfa Bali.
Others are his son-in-law, Pastor Chidi Emmanuel, granddaughter, Davina Chidi-Emmanuel, grandsons, David Chidi-Emmanuel and Isaac Chidi-Emmanuel.
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