‘Why we can’t mourn Gen. Bali’

Family members, friends and associates of the late former Chief of Defence Staff and former Minister of Defence, Gen. Domkat Yah Bali, on Monday, said they had no reason to mourn the deceased because they were optimistic he was already resting in heaven.

Bali, who served as minister of defence and member of the Supreme Military Council between 1984 and 1985, and the Armed Forces Ruling Council of 1985 to 1990, died on Friday, December 4, after a brief illness at the age of 80.

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Speaking at a church service organised in honour of the late senior military officer at COCIN, Area 1, Abuja, his wife, Esther Bali, said she dreamt about her late husband in a white garment – meaning he’s with God.

Narrating how they started as husband and wife, Mrs Bali recalled that the journey was rough and tough but they were able to surmount them all through patience, love, endurance and perseverance.

Also speaking, a close associate of the late general, who lost his wife in April this year, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, said family members, associates and other dignitaries had no reason to feel sad or mourn.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, recalled how she met late Bali through her late husband whom she disclosed were friends right from school in their childhood days.