By Major General Alfred Claude Nelson-Williams

ON behalf of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, I wish to convey my profound sympathy to the Nigerian Army, the Military and the bereaved family of the late General Victor Malu who was called to glory on 9^th October, 2017 in Cairo. The eyes recorded what the mind refused to accept. A distinguished and illustrious Nigerian, Officer and gentleman who was blessed with eloquence, erudition and intellectualism.

Parting whether it is for the good or bad is always sad. Indeed, an iroko tree has fallen and left in its quake a devastating forest. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray that his sacrifice to humanity will not go in vain.

I first came in contact with the late General Victor Malu when he was Chief of Staff at ECOMOG Headquarters in 1992, by then serving under General A. Olurin. I was the Contingent and Battalion Commander of Sierra Leone Contingent 1 and 2.

It was the period of Operation Octopus and the bloodiest in the Theater of Operations. He was an icon of professionalism and distinguished himself in turbulent times and showed courage and leadership. He paid his dues appropriately to defend the territorial integrity of Liberia and later Sierra Leone as ECOMOG Commander. The General will forever be remembered for his exemplary leadership qualities; fearlessness, courage, commitment, discipline and dedication to duty. He was a professional to the core.

He was frank and truly called a spade its rightful name no matter whose ox was gored. He had a stern disposition to issues and very resolute in taking decisions on matters of significance who ensured fairness, and equity for all.

In life and in death, General Malu always our favourite. Forever you will remain great in our hearts, ever warm in our thoughts and always fresh in our memories. History cannot ignore the footprints you left us.

Finally, his life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world “that was a soldier’s soldier. Unarguably, the country has lost one of the best and fertile minds to the Armed Forces.

As we salute and honour the mortal remains of General Malu, I wish to express my profound gratitude to Almighty God for a life worthwhile spent. We pray that the good Lord will grant the family he left behind the heart to bear the irreplaceable loss and may his gallant soul rest in the bosom of the Lord, Amen.

Requicat in pace, may his soul rest in perfect peace.

*Being the tribute by His Excellency, Major General (rtd.) Alfred Claude Nelson-Williams, Acting Sierra Leone High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the vigil held at the Command Officers Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, on Wednesday, October 25.

– Oct 27, 2017 @ 1o:33 GMT |