Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has expressed sadness over the death of a former Chief of Army Staff during the Second Republic, General Mohammed Wushishi.
A family source who confirmed the news of his death said that General Wushishi died in a London hospital on Saturday at the age of 81.
Bello in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed described the death of the General as a monumental loss for the country and the Nigerian Armed forces.
He commiserated with the family members of the late General Wushishi, the Nigerian Army as well as the Government and good people of Niger State over the sad incident, praying God to grant his soul eternal rest and fortitude for his family and well wishers to bear the loss.
The governor equally sympathised with his Niger State counterpart, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello over the death of the General.
“General Wushishi is no doubt one of the gallant and thoroughbred officers who had served this country with patriotic zeal all through his military career until he rose to become the Chief of Army Staff before retiring from service to the fatherland.
“I join millions of Nigerians this day in paying glowing tribute to General Wushishi for all his contributions to our national defense and territorial integrity. Adieu General!”, he said.
General Mohammed Wushishi was born in Wushishi, Niger State, in 1940. In 1976, he was General Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army’s GOC 4 Infantry Division, and in 1979, he was Commandant of the Staff College in Jaji.
And in October 1981 to October 1983, he served as Chief of Army Staff.