Nigeria has lost one of its notable elder statesmen, General Mohammed Abdullahi (rtd), a former Chief of Staff to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He passed away in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 86.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, confirmed the development in a condolence message issued through his spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.

In his tribute, the Emir expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Gen. Abdullahi, 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 lauded the late officer’s record of national service, noting that Abdullahi “served Nigeria diligently in various capacities and extended opportunities to the less privileged in society.”

The monarch further described the retired general as “a patriotic and detribalised Nigerian whose contributions to national unity and development knew no bounds.”

The Emir extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the governments of Kwara and Plateau states, and the Federal Government, while praying that Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him Aljannah Firdaus.

Born in 1939, General Abdullahi held several key positions during his distinguished military and public service career. He served as Governor of Benue-Plateau State (July 1975 – February 1976), Director-General of the National Security Organisation (NSO) (1976 – 1979), National Security Adviser to General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998 – 1999), and Chief of Staff to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007) and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2008).