David Mark mourns Gen Diya … says he was an officer and gentleman

By Iyojo Ameh

Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has expressed sadness over the death of former Chief of General Staff, (CGS) Lt, General Donaldson Oladipo Diya .

Paying glowing tribute to General Diya following the news of his demise, Senator Mark noted that the fallen General was one of shinning lights of the Nigerian Army and by extension the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic.

Senator Mark recalled that General Diya was in the forefront for the promotion of professionalism and intellectualism in the Nigerian Armed Forces .

“ He (Diya) was an intellectual and a professional soldier who paid attention to details “, the former Senate helmsman and a former Army General stated.

Senator Mark noted that General Diya was a distinguished Officer who believed and worked for the peace and unity of Nigeria adding “he unarguably worked for the indivisibility of Nigeria”.

He pointed out that In all the formations including as Military Governor of old Ogun state , General Officer Commanding (GOC) as well as Chief of General Staff (equivalent to today’s Vice President ), General Diya gave a good account of himself .

He added that history will be kind to General Diya for his immense contributions to the peace, unity and development of Nigeria.

Senator Mark prayed that God grant him eternal rest just as he prayed that the Almighty give the immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.