By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has expressed sadness over the sudden death of the former Chief of General Staff, Rtd. Lt.-Gen. Donaldson Oladipo Diya.

Irabor urged the general public to register their condolences over the sad exit of the late general at the defence headquarters.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that late Gen. Diya, was the fifth Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and that he died on Sunday March 26.

NAN reports that the news of his death is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, and was made available to Journalists on Monday in Abuja.

Irabor, who opened a condolence register at the Defence Headquarters on Monday, said he, on behalf of members of the armed forces, join millions of Nigerians and other well-wishers to mourn the former defence chief.

He also extended condolences to the family of the late general and the good people of Ogun State.

Irabor described Diya as a complete gentleman and a thoroughbred military general and elder statesman who had made positive impacts on the armed forces of Nigeria which he served meritoriously for 33 years and the Nation in general.

He prayed to Almighty God to grant him eternal rest in His bosom.