The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. Speaker Abbas described the loss as a significant setback for the Armed Forces and Nigeria.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, aged 56, passed away on Tuesday night following an illness, as confirmed by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
In his tribute, Speaker Abbas praised Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as “a gallant military officer” who achieved commendable milestones during his short tenure as COAS. The Speaker recalled how Lt. Gen. Lagbaja visited military bases nationwide, particularly in the North-East and North-West, to inspire soldiers on the front lines.
Speaker Abbas noted that these visits demonstrated Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s resilience and dedication to ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.
He extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Lagbaja family, and the people and government of Osun State.
The Speaker prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Chief of Army Staff’s soul.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
