Malu: dead PHOTO Credit: NTA

Tributes are pouring in for General Victor Malu, Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff who died on Monday in Cairo, Egypt at the age 70.

President Muhammadu, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, also commiserated with the Nigerian Armed Forces on the demise of “a very distinguished and professional colleague.’’

The president stated that the deceased had demonstrated incredible courage and leadership, including during very turbulent times in Liberia.

President Buhari recalled that as Force Commander of the ECOMOG peace-keeping troops in Liberia from 1996 to 1998, General Malu was an icon of professionalism, bravery and discipline.

He noted that Malu aptly demonstrated these attributes throughout his national and international military assignments.

According to him, the late General will be fondly remembered for his dedication and commitment as a military officer; and his numerous landmark contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development.

President Buhari urged the bereaved family, friends and associates to honour Malu’s memory by upholding his invaluable sacrifices for a peaceful and united Nigeria.

He prayed that Almighty God would comfort all who mourned Gen. Malu, and grant his soul perfect peace.

Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condoled with the family, Nigerian Army and government and people of Benue over the death of retired Gen. Malu.

In a statement on Monday in Abuja by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, its National Publicity Secretary, the party prayed God to grant the late Malu eternal rest, and his family, the strength to bear the loss.

It said that Nigeria had lost one of its finest military officers who distinguished himself and made the country proud in several local and international assignments he undertook during his military career.

“The APC fondly recalls the distinguished service of the late Malu as Force Commander of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) peace-keeping force in Liberia from 1996 to 1998.

“His impressive performance earned him commendations from both Liberians and international observers, over improvements that followed his taking command.

“He doggedly canvassed and undertook reforms aimed at establishing a truly national army with a deep sense of purpose,’’ the party said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Malu was a recipient of the Force Service Star (FSS) Award, Meritorious Service Star (MSS) Award, and Distinguished Service Star (DSS) Award, among others.

He died on Monday in Cairo, Egypt at the age 70. (NAN)

Gen.Malu was born on January 15, 1947 at Katsina-Ala, Benue.

He enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, in 1967 as part of the 3rd Regular Course and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant enlisted upon graduation in 1970.

He also attended Command and Staff College, Jaji and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

He was Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from 1999 to 2001 and Force Commander of the ECOMOG peace-keeping force in Liberia from 1996 to 1998.