A former Principal General Staff Officer (Chief of Staff), State House, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Onoja (retd.), has expressed sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
Onoja, a former military governor of Plateau and Katsina states in a statement extended his condolences to Mrs. Aisha Buhari and her family, the Daura Emirate, as well as the government and people of Katsina state.
He described the late president as “an epitome of integrity, discipline, humility and a patriot whose love for Nigeria is undeniable.”
According to Onoja, the former president demonstrated his integrity in the various roles he served the country in the course of his illustrious military career where he held many command positions.
He recalled the “courageous and tactical roles” the former president played in the military during the Nigeria Civil War in defence of the unity of Nigeria as further testament of his love for the nation.
He said the ex-president’s demise was a monumental loss not just to his immediate family, but to the entire nation.
The statement read in part, “Onoja served under Buhari as CO Guards Battalion and Buhari was the Lagos Garrison Commander in Ikeja.
“Also, when he was released from prison in 1988, Onoja was tasked with looking after his welfare as military governor of Katsina state, and attests to his zero tolerance for corruption who sacrificed a lot for the good of the nation.
“Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR departed at a time his wise counsel is much needed in state affairs; he has left a void that would be difficult to fill.”
The retired general, however, noted that Buhari “has left behind lasting legacies of human and infrastructure development through his decades of service to the nation.”
He prayed to God to grant the immediate family of the former president and the government and people of Katsina state the fortitude and strength to bear the painful loss and the peaceful repose of his soul.