A former Minister of Defence, Domkat Bali, is dead.
He died at the age of 80.
Bali, an army general, was until his death the Ponzhi Tarok in Plateau State. He served as the minister of defence and member of the Supreme Military Council of 1984–1985.
He was also a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council of 1985–1990.
He joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 and is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurs.
President Muhammadu Buhari through his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a statement, said the president condoled with Esther Bali, wife of the deceased and other family members of the family, on Friday.
The statement also recalled how the late Bali rose through the ranks, with a distinguished military career, attaining the peak office of the Chief of Defence Staff.
It said Buhari believed that the records of bravery and patriotism of Bali would continue to inspire young military officers, while the foundation he laid in all the commands he headed would always be remembered.
The president also constituted a delegation led by the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, to visit the family of the late Bali, and condole with the government and people of the state over the loss, it added.
“The President, who spoke with the wife of the deceased, Esther on Friday, also commiserated with other family members, friends and professional associates of the former member of the Supreme Military Council and Armed Forces Ruling Council, after rising through the ranks, with a distinguished military career, reaching the peak as Chief of Defence Staff.
“Buhari believes the records of bravery and patriotism of Bali, the Ponzhi Tarok, will continue to inspire young military officers, while the foundation he laid in all the commands he headed will always be remembered.
“The President has also constituted a delegation led by the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) to visit the family and condole with government and people of the state over the loss. Buhari prays that the almighty God will receive the soul of the departed and comfort his family.”
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