Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has
described his late Chief of Staff, Major General Abdullahi (Adangba)
Mohammed, as a patriotic Nigerian whose name would feature prominently in
the history of the nation’s unity, democracy, and good governance.
The late Mohammed, who died on Wednesday, November
5, 2025, in Abuja at the age of 86, served as Chief of Staff
to President Obasanjo (1999–2007) and President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua
(2007–2008).
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde
Akinyemi, Obasanjo said the news of Mohammed’s passing came to him as “a
great shock”.
“The unexpected and unfortunate loss of a
long-standing friend, brother, and colleague is a great trial for the best of
human beings,” Obasanjo said.
In his tribute, the former president described
Mohammed as “a diligent and conscientious soldier who served his nation with
patriotic zeal and distinguished himself in many spheres of military and public
life.”
“He was a bundle of integrity and incorruptibility and
one of the few I know that can be so described,” he added.
‘A Man of Rare Courage’
Obasanjo recalled Mohammed’s early career as Military
Governor of old Benue-Plateau State (1975–1976) under the administration of
General Murtala Mohammed, commending his dedication, loyalty, and
incorruptible leadership.
He noted that the late officer was among the early
military intelligence experts in Nigeria and played a key role in establishing
the National Security Organisation (NSO) — now known as the Department
of State Services (DSS) — after the 1976 coup that claimed General Murtala
Mohammed’s life.
“At the request of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as
Head of State between 1998 and 1999, I had to persuade Abdul to take up the
position of National Security Adviser in his regime,” Obasanjo said.
“He will certainly be remembered for his rare courage and contribution to the
development of the Nigerian Army, in which he rose to enviable heights.”
Obasanjo also recalled appointing Mohammed as his
Chief of Staff to help bridge the transition between military and civilian
rule, describing him as “someone I could trust completely and who embodied
discipline, loyalty, and patriotism.”
‘A Great Nationalist’
The former president praised Mohammed as “a true
soldier and great nationalist” who fought for Nigeria’s unity with
unwavering dedication to fairness and justice.
“Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that the history
of our struggle for national unity, democracy, and good governance cannot be
written without ample reference being made to the patriotic, selfless,
visionary, and heroic role played by him,” he said.
Obasanjo extended his condolences to Mohammed’s family
and prayed for his peaceful repose.
“On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I extend
heartfelt condolences to the entire family of Maj-Gen. Abdul Mohammed on the
sorrowful passing of a great but humble Nigerian.
May Allah (SWT) forgive him and grant him Jannatul Firdausi. Ameen,” he said.
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