General Mohammed Abdullahi (Rtd.), who served as Chief of Staff to two Nigerian presidents, has died at the age of 86.
Abdullahi, a distinguished son of Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, according to sources close to the family.
Whilst official confirmation remains pending, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has issued a condolence message acknowledging the loss.
Observers Times gathered that the late general will be interred at the National Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Emir, through his press secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, expressed profound sadness over Abdullahi’s passing, describing him as “a proud indigene of Ilorin Emirate and a distinguished Nigerian who used his positions, strength and wealth to protect and promote the heritage of Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large.”
“He was indeed a patriotic and detribalised Nigerian whose contributions to national unity and development knows no bound,” Sulu-Gambari stated.
The monarch extended his heartfelt sympathy to the immediate and extended family of the deceased, the governments of Kwara and Plateau states, as well as the Federal Government.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Abdullahi, accept his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.
Born in 1939, Abdullahi’s illustrious career spanned several decades of public service. He served as Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, and continued in the same capacity under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from 2007 to 2008.
His earlier appointments included National Security Adviser to General Abdulsalami Abubakar from 1998 to 1999, Director-General of the National Security Organisation between 1976 and 1979, and Governor of Benue-Plateau State from July 1975 to February 1976.
The Emir noted that throughout his lifetime, Abdullahi served Nigeria diligently in various capacities and extended opportunities to less privileged members of society.
Details of funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
