The late Maj.-Gen. Chris Alli, former Chief of Army Staff, has been laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday.
Africa Today News, New York, has reported that Maj.-Gen. Chris Alli, who passed away at the age of 79 in Lagos on Nov. 19, 2023, served as Nigeria’s 15th Chief of Army Staff from 1993 to 1994 under the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
Subsequently, he assumed the role of military governor of Plateau from August 1985 to 1986, under the military regime of President Ibrahim Babangida. Additionally, he served as Interim Administrator of Plateau in 2004 during the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In attendance at the funeral were National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, representing President Bola Tinubu, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, and a representative of the Plateau Governor.
Also in attendance were serving and former service chiefs, as well as other prominent Nigerians and family members.
The burial reached its culmination with the presentation of the National Flag to the next-of-kin of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the laying of wreaths by dignitaries, including the deceased’s wife, Mrs. Dorothy Alli.
Prior to the burial, a funeral mass occurred at St. Joseph Military Catholic Church, Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
During the funeral, Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, remarked that the deceased served Nigeria with dedication, contributing to peace, development, and unity in the country.
‘Badaru, represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, added that ”the late former COAS achieved significant influence on professionalising and repositioning the army to be a force to reckon with in both regional and global scenes.’
He added that the late General lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
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‘For Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Chris Alli, his transition has exerted marvellous memories of a loving father, brother, uncle, colleague, comrade, and confidant.’
‘To many nationwide and overseas, the nostalgia in some social cycles sequel to his recent glorious passing on underscores his legacy of enviable character, patriotism, love, and service to Nigeria and Nigerians.’
‘We cannot but appreciate the Almighty for the life and the good times of this cherished hero.’
‘To this end, we indeed owe him a duty to promote the values that he connected as we pursue national peace, development, and unity for our people,’ Badaru added.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, acknowledged that the deceased exemplified passion and dedication to duty throughout his lifetime, characterized by a deep love for country and service to humanity.
Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja stated that Alli displayed an incomparable sense of duty and dedication to service, with his love and passion evident in every endeavor.
‘The late general served the Nigerian army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the nation exceptionally in various capacities, leaving his footprints on the sands of time.’
‘The general mentored and inspired generations who today are mentoring younger generations that did not meet him in service.’
‘His commitment to duty manifested evidently as he rose through the ranks to become the Director of Military Intelligence, amongst several other key appointments in the Nigerian Army, climaxing his military career as the 15th COAS,’ he said.
The Nigerian army, as announced by Lagbaja, will pay tribute to the general by reserving a seat adorned with a wreath at the next three major activities as a symbol of honor.
In his address during the funeral mass, Col. Anthony Maimagani, the Acting Director, Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), admonished people to lead exemplary lives before their deaths.