The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday mourned the death of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Victor Malu, who died same day in an Egyptian hospital.
The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said Malu as Chief of Army Staff “undertook reforms aimed at establishing a truly national army with a deep sense of purpose.”
The statement reads:
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) mourns the passing of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Victor Samuel Leonard Malu who died on Monday in Cairo, Egypt at the age 70.
“A recipient of the Force Service Star (FSS) Award, Meritorious Service Star (MSS) Award, Distinguished Service Star (DSS) Award, among others, Nigeria has indeed 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 illustrious 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.
“In the course of the late Malu’s eventful tenure as the country’s Chief of Army Staff from 1999 to 2001, he doggedly canvassed and undertook reforms aimed at establishing a truly national army with a deep sense of purpose.
“The Party condoles with the immediate family, the Nigerian Army and the government and people of Benue state over the painful loss. We pray the Almighty God grant the late Malu eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss.”