Buhari, Mark mourn former air chief, Eduok

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of former Minister of Aviation, and 12th Chief of the Air Staff, retired Air Marshal Nsikak-Abasi Eduok.

In a related development, former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, described former Air Chief as one of the best and patriotic Air Force Officers ever produced in the country who would be sorely missed.


Reacting to the demise of the former Air Chief, Senator Mark noted that the death of Eduok is a sad reminder of the transient nature of human existence.

According to Mark, “His death at this time is a big blow to the nation especially in the battle against insecurity. Eduok was a fine Officer and gentleman whose wealth of experience in security and intelligence management was needed to salvage the intractable challenges facing the nation.

“I recalled the various radical innovation and transformation strategies he introduced into the Nigerian Air-force. Under his leadership, the Nigerian Air Force was rated foremost in Africa and made the institution a force to reckon with globally.

“In Eduok, the nation has lost one of her best and fertile minds in the Armed Forces. He demonstrated his loyalty to his fatherland. He was truly an officer and a gentleman”.

In President Buhari’s condolence message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Friday, he described Eduok’s death as a huge loss to the nation, particularly all those he inspired and mentored in tactical air operations.

The president joined the military in mourning the passing of the highly decorated former officer, who spent more than two decades updating his pilot skills in the United Kingdom, United States and then Soviet Union, returning to the country to share his experience with colleagues and younger officers.

Buhari commiserated with government and people of Akwa Ibom, friends and associates of the deceased, affirming that he lived a life of service to the nation and humanity, with distinguished results in all endeavours.

He prayed for the repose of his soul and for God’s comfort over the family.

The former Senate President stated that Eduok has paid his dues as a patriotic officer who contributed immensely to the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity as well as the socio-economic development of the nation.

Senator Mark was optimistic that Eduok’s numerous contributions to Nigeria especially in the Air Force will remain indelible.

He prayed that God in His infinite mercies grant the deceased eternal rest just as he urged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that Eduok lived an accomplished life worthy of emulation.