“The idea was to get past Presidents and Vice Presidents to come together to praise God. He had joked about how well he could sing, and so we tested that singing skill and as you all know, he did so well.”
Later in a chat with journalists, the Vice President flanked by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said: “We are here to express sincere condolence of the President and government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to my worthy predecessor in office, Gen. Oladipo Diya, who of course you know served as an effective Vice President under the regime of General Abacha.
“He served his country loyally and he served his country with great conviction. He put everything on the line for his country not just as a soldier but later as a political leader. He served with forthrightness; he served with integrity.
“We are extremely proud of him; we are extremely proud of the legacy that he left and we are extremely proud of all that he was able to achieve in his lifetime.”
The VP added that the visit was to condole with his family and also pray for his family, “that his memory will remain blessed; that the Lord God Almighty will strengthen the family at this time and that the children will even be greater than the great General Oladipo Diya, their father.”
The Vice President afterwards signed the condolence register at the Ikeja residence.
His message reads: “My sincere and heartfelt condolence to the wife, Mrs Josephine Diya, children and family of a worthy predecessor in office, a decent gentleman, and an outstanding soldier and leader – General Oladipo Diya.
