The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has expressed sadness over the death of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Joshua Dogonyaro (rtd).
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari described his death as a monumental loss to the entire nation and humanity in general noting that, “His death was shocking and saddening.
In a condolence message issued by his Spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir said that, “late Dogonyaro was a long time friend, confidant and brother whose relationship remained strong until his last breathe.
The Emir said: “Gen. Dogonyaro’s death news came to me as a surprise. During his active days in service, he was a gallant and reliable army officer whose love for the nation portrayed him as a detribalised gentleman, his commitments to national unity and security earned him the exalted appointment as Chief of Defence Staff.
“When I was appointed and installed as the Ciroma of Ilorin in 1984, late Dogonyaro was with me in Ilorin for a period of six days, that is to tell you the level of our closeness. I’m really short of words, I commiserate with his widow, his immediate and extended families, government and good people of Plateau state over the great loss.
“My condolences also go to the Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor over the demise of an erstwhile Defence Chief whose uniqueness, precedence and contributions to the Nigeria’s military architecture will continue to be referenced.”
The Emir however urged the deceased’s families to find solace in the fact that he carved a niche for himself, served the nation diligently and did his best for humanity.
He therefore prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the great and irreplaceable loss.
