President Muhammadu Buhari has extolled the good virtue of the former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, retired Lieutenant General Salihu Ibrahim, who died yesterday, Monday abroad after a brief illness.
In a condolence message issued by senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari said: “it is a matter of great pride that outstanding officers like General Ibrahim served the Nigerian Army. He served the nation with all his heart; with full dedication and commitment to duty. His service represents the hallmark of our Armed Forces.”
The President, who sympathized with the family, the government and the people of Kogi State over the death of General Salihu, said that the news of his death had left him (the President), sad and devastated.
“But I am consoled by the fact that the soldier in the departed former Chief of Army will remain immortal and never to be forgotten.
“On behalf on my family, the government and the people of our country, I extend deepest condolences to General Ibrahim’s family ,loved ones and the government and people of Kogi State.”
Late General Salihu Ibrahim was born in Ajaokuta, Kogi State to a noble family on June 25, 1925.
He joined the army in 1956. He was given officer’s training at the Nigeria Military Training College. He became a respected Armored Corps officer, considered apolitical although he served as a member of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari’s Supreme Military Council (1984-1985). He was briefly arrested in August 1985 during the coup in which Ibrahim Babangida took over from Buhari. Later he became a member of Babangida’s Armed Forces Ruling Council. He was appointed Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy from1988 to 1990).
In August 1990, General Sani Abacha, then Chief of Army staff (COAS) ceded this job to General Salihu, while remaining Chairman Joint Chiefs and becoming Minister of Defence. General Salihu Ibrahim was unable to assert much authority, with Abacha even refusing to vacate Flag Staff House, the traditional residence of the COAS.
In August 1993 then head of state Ibrahim Babangida appointed Lt. General Aliyu Mohammed as his replacement, but Abacha delayed the change until September to allow General Salihu Ibrahim time to “retire with honor.”
After retirement, he was appointed a Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of council of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State. He became a member of the board of several Companies. As of 2010, he was Chairman of the International Energy Insurance Company.
