The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has dispelled rumors surrounding his death by personally speaking to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, briefing him on his health status.
It was gathered that contrary to the circulating rumors, Lagbaja is alive and recovering.
According to a source at Defence Headquarters, President Tinubu was relieved to hear from Lagbaja directly and expressed his joy and prayers for his quick recovery.
Speaking to ThisDay, a source at DHQ, said the president spoke to Lagbaja, who “held a clear conversation with the president and he was in high spirit. The president was very happy and prayed fervently for his quick recovery.
“I can tell you, therefore, that the rumour about his death is not correct. This information is authentic and as such, rubbishes the ungodly rumour about his death. He is recuperating and not dead.”
The Nigerian Army Headquarters has also categorically dismissed the rumors, labeling them as “fake news.”
The rumors were fueled by a social media post from Jackson Ude, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who alleged that Lagbaja had died of cancer in an undisclosed foreign hospital.
Reacting swiftly, Army officials refuted the claims, emphasizing that Lagbaja is recuperating and in high spirits.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed that Lagbaja had indeed traveled abroad for medical checkups, but assured that he is entitled to such leave as a public officer.
Nwachukwu also dismissed rumors that the army was in disarray due to the COAS’s absence, clarifying that all routine military operations remain on track.
In Lagbaja’s absence, Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, had been authorized to announce promotions within the army, ensuring continuity in leadership.
The pro-Tinubu group, “The Renewed Hope Agenda,” also weighed in on the matter, calling for Nigerians to disregard the false rumors. The group’s convener, Sam Atasia Oburu, confirmed that Lagbaja had completed all legal processes required before proceeding on leave, and lamented the misinformation spread by mischief makers.
They praised Lagbaja for his national service, including his efforts against insurgency, militancy, and other security challenges across the country, and urged Nigerians to continue supporting his work.
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