The remains of the late 15th Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, were on Wednesday lowered into the grave at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
The ex-CDS, who served under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen on the Keffi-Abuja Expressway on December 18, 2018, when he was returning from his farm.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Badeh’s remains were committed to mother earth after a prayer offered by Grp.-Capt. D.B. Gani, the Director of the Air Force Chaplaincy, followed by the laying of wreaths at his grave.
Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), led others to perform the solemn ceremony. He was followed by representatives of the Minister of Defence, Hajia Nuratu Batagarawa, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.
Others were Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, Badeh’s wife, Mrs Mary Badeh, and a representative of Course 21, which late Badeh belonged.
Meanwhile, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, vowed that the killers of the late former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) would be fished out.
Abubakar, in a remark at the burial of the late CDS at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, noted that Badeh had served the nation well in several capacities.
He said that he was deeply touched and saddened by the manner in which Badeh, an accomplished military officer, who had attained the height of his chosen career, was killed. He described the ex-CDS as a leader, commander and instructor pilot.
The air chief said that Badeh handled over 6,000 flying hours during his flying career, adding that he would be missed.
“The loss of this patriotic and professional gentleman must spur the rest of us, not only in the Armed Forces but indeed in Nigeria to rededicate ourselves in the service of our nation and our people.
“To deal decisively with crime and criminality, we must continue to work and redouble our efforts in supporting the Police and other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book.’’
Abubakar said Badeh was a “jovial, principled and compassionate’’ general whose leadership and good nature positively influenced his peers as well as subordinates.
“Badeh’s achievement during his service to the nation spanning from his time as a young pilot to his appointment as Chief of Air Staff and CDS continue to generate admiration among his colleagues.
ALSO READ: Centre berates Atiku over attempt to taint Buratai, Buratai’s integrity
“He will be greatly missed for his invaluable service to the Nigerian Armed Forces and indeed Nigeria.
“Our mentor sir, as you go to your final resting place today, may the Lord be with you forever and be assured that the Nigerian Air Force, and indeed, the nation will remain ever grateful to you for your service and sacrifice,’’ Abubakar said.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, said that the death of Badeh was a distress not only for his family but the armed forces and the nation. He described the late CDS as a leader, professional pilot and military officer.
Earlier, at a church service, Group Capt. D.B. Gani, the Chaplain, in his sermon entitled “The Lost Axe Head,’’ said “life is a borrowed item from heaven.’’
“I see everything about human life as a borrowed one; your office is borrowed and so when the time comes He (God) takes it away.”
Gani said that late Badeh was passionate about God, describing him as a simple man “who flows freely with everyone.’’
Quoting from the Bible, he said “whether you are in the military, civilian or politician, you are living a borrowed life.’’
The ceremony was rounded off with a 21-gun salute in honour of the late CDS, who was also the 18th Chief of Air Staff.
Born on January 10, 1957, in Vimtim, Mubi Local North Government Area of Adamawa, then Gongola State, Badeh acquired his secondary school education at Villanova Secondary School, Numan.
Thereafter, he proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1977 as a member of the 21 Regular Course and was commissioned as a pilot officer on July 3, 1979.
He attended both the junior and senior staff courses, rose through the ranks and was appointed the Chief of Air Staff on October 4, 2012.
On January 16, 2014, he was appointed the 15th Chief of Defence by ex-President Jonathan.
He is survived by his wife and three children, two sons and a daughter.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Governors of Adamawa and Plateau, Umar Jibrilla and Simon Lalong, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, retired Rear Admiral John Jonah, and Deputy Speaker of Adamawa House of Assembly.
Others were retired Air Marshal Oluseyi Petirin, a former CDS and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika. (NAN)
and then