Salihu Ibrahim: Tribute to a professional soldier, By Gen. Ibrahim Babangida

From far away Germany, former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has penned, and sent to The Crest, a tribute on the late ex-Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Salihu Ibrahim, who died on December 10, 2018, and was buried in Kaduna on Sunday.

Gen. Salihu’s remains were laid to rest after a funeral prayer at the Yahaya Road Juma’at Mosque, Kaduna, the Kaduna State capital. The funeral prayer was conducted by Sheik Khalid Isiyaku and attended by hundreds of mourners including former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar.

Other eminent Nigerians at the sombre event were: the incumbent Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello, Kogi State Governor, Lt. Gen Abdulrahaman Danbazzau, Minister of Interior, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, as well course mates of the deceased in the Regular Course 1 of Nigerian Defence Academy, to mention but a few.

In the tribute, sent to The Crest from Germany, ex-President Babangida praised the gallantry and nationalism of Salihu, who served as his Chief of Army Staff between August 1990 and September 1993.

Here, in General Babangida’s exact words, is the tribute:

“The passing of Lt. General Salihu Ibrahim FSS, FHWC (June 25, 1935 – December 10, 2018), a Nigerian Army General, a respected Armoured Corps officer, a patriot of no mean repute, came to me as a rude shock. I had left Nigeria when I heard the shocking and very sad news. What a loss. What a fine soldier he was. His kind is the pride of any country. Officers of his kind are a pride to their countries. They make their countries proud.

“Many never knew that this fine soldier was one of the first casualties of the federal troops during the civil war, where he fought to ensure the continuity of the entity called Nigeria. In his candid belief, “a divided Nigeria would only do more harm than good.”

“General Ibrahim was one Nigerian I have so much respect for. He was tactful, disciplined, and brave. He was a true leader and a great philosopher. He was more-an icon, a perfect gentleman, and a professional soldier, a symbol of strength, an embodiment of courage, and a man full of wisdom. His types are difficult to replace.

“As Chief of Army Staff, between August 1990 and September 1993, this iconic General made so much impact, putting the nation above personal interests.

“He was a patriot, a leader and loyal friend, who played historic roles in Nigeria’s development. I am very delighted to have known and worked with this great Ebira son. His demise is a colossal loss not only to Ebira people but also to Nigeria as a whole.

“His passing is not just a huge loss to the many states he served and positions held, but to Nigeria at large.

“A gentleman has departed. A star has fallen, but only to rise and shine at a higher realm. His terrestrial journey has ended but he has begun a new life at a higher, perfectly peaceful place. The king is dead, long live the king!!!

“We will not weep for you, General, but will celebrate and relive your good memories. For you lived a good life, a life worthy of emulation. We pray Almighty Allah to grant him eternal rest and console the entire family he left behind. Amin.”