Osinbajo Pays Condolence Visit To Late Gen. Diya’s Family

The former Chief of General Staff of the federal military government led by General Sani Abacha, the late Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd) was a forthright and honest leader who served his country and its people well, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said yesterday.

Osinbajo stated this during a condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman in Lagos.

According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande, the vice president accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustahpa, was received on arrival by Mr Oyidamola Diya, the second son of the late General Diya, other family members and associates.

Condoling the late General’s widow, Mrs Josephine Diya and his children, the vice president said the former Chief of General Staff loved Nigeria dearly, served with all his strength and was committed to its progress and unity.

“General Diya was a very down-to-earth, honest and straightforward human being. We are very proud of what he achieved while in office.

“My memories of him were of a very decent man who loved and served his country. He signed up to die for his country and in the process ended up in the political line and served as the number two citizen of the country.

“In the coming years when we reflect on the life of this man, we will see the greatness of his life. He showed us that you can live and serve your nation and serve well even after office, serve again and work hard even in private life. Also, when you pass on, you are able to leave a legacy, and people can say of you that you did well,” Osinbajo said.

Recalling his interactions with the late Diya, he said; “I tried to get him to write a memoir about his life but that didn’t work. What I did get him to do was to sing ‘Oh God, our help in ages past’ in 2017. He was the first person I spoke to about the project.

“The idea was to get past presidents and vice presidents to come together to praise God. He had joked about how well he could sing, and so we tested that singing skill and as you all know, he did so well.”

Later in a chat with journalists, the vice president flanked by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Said; “We are here to express sincere condolence of the president and government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to my worthy predecessor in office, Gen. Oladipo Diya, who of course you know served as an effective vice president under the regime of General Abacha.”