Late CDS, Badeh, buried amid tears

Tears flowed freely on Thursday as family members, retired and serving senior officers paid their last respect to the late Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, whose remains were laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

The late Badeh was murdered on his way back from his farm, located along the Abuja – Keffi road, on December 18, 2018.

Days after the killing of the former CDS, the police had announced the arrest of 5 suspects in connection with the incident.

The late Badeh’s final transition began with a church service at the Nigerian Air Force Base Protestant Church, where solemn renditions were delivered, accompanied by lessons that humanity survived in “borrowed” time.

The late CDS’ body was conveyed into the church in national colours, as a mark of respect for his meritorious service to the nation.

In a short tribute the late Badeh’s son expressed regret that his father, who abhorred violence, was so brutally killed.

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“You were never one to bide your true feelings. You always had a smile on your face even though adversity, you stood up for what you believed was right and tried to be fair.

“You were deeply principled and pragmatic. You might have been a big brash bulk of a man but you moved through the world gracefully.

“You abhorred violence but in the end it found you. You are loved and will never be forgotten”, he said.

In the meantime, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said Badeh’s death must serve as a wake up call to all and sundry, to lend support to the fight against crime and criminality by the military and security agencies.

The CAS noted that the late 4-star General’s achievements, will continue to be a source of inspiration.

He said: He (Badeh) is the 18 chief of Air staff and the 15th chief of defence staff. He was an Astor airman who earned over 6000 flying hours during his flying career.

“The death of this gentleman must steer the rest of us not only in the armed forces but indeed in Nigeria to rededicate ourselves in the service of our nation and people to deal decisively with crime and criminality.

“We must continue to work, redouble our efforts in supporting the police and other internal security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book.

“I’m indeed deeply touched and saddened by the manner in which we lost such an accomplished general who attained the apex of his chosen career in the Nigerian Armed forces.
He continued: “His (Badeh’s) achievements during his service ro our great nation, from his time as a young pilot to his appointment as the chief of the Air staff and the chief of defence staff, continue to inspire admiration amongst us.

“The Nation and the Nigerian Air force will remain grateful to you(him) for your service and sacrifice”.

Also speaking, the CDS, General Abayomi Olonisakin, stated that the deceased senior officer’s life, was worthy of emulation.

According to Olonisakin: “Despite (the) state of despondency, I make bold to say (that) the life of Air chief Badeh is a life that is worth celebrating. He didn’t only rise to the peek of his career, he also occupied the prestigious position of the Chief of the Air Staff, and Chief of Defence Staff of our great nation.

“As Chief of the Air Staff, his contribution added value to the professional development of the Nigerian Air force where he left meaningful legacies.

“In his capacity as the Chief of Defence Staff, he provided leadership and direction to the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria, especially in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

“He (Badeh) retired from service in 2015. Even in retirement,he was full of energy and obviously have a lot to offer upcoming officers from his wealth of experience.”

The late CDS buried in with military honours, which included the presentation of National Flag to the next-of-kins by the CDS, firing of volley (21 gun salute), as well as last post.

Among dignitaries that laid the wreath were: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, representative of the Minister of Defence, CDS, service chiefs, and the late senior officer’s wife.

Stella Enenche, Abuja