By CHIDI MATTHEW NWACHUKWU

Former Army spokesperson, retired Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka, has joined the rest of Nigerians in mourning the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Iorshagher Akaagerger (rtd), a former military governor of Katsina State.

Taking to his personal Facebook account, Kukasheka paid glowing tribute to the late statesman whom he described as ?a legal luminary, distinguished soldier, statesman, and true servant of the people, whose life embodied honour, brilliance, and uncommon humility.?

Narrating his first encounter with Akaagerger, Kukasheka went down memory lane to tell the story of how the then military governor of his state, Katsina, had hearkened to his plea to install potable water in his Kukasheka community in 1998.

Kukasheka lauded Akaagerger?s humility and selflessness which he exemplified by travelling a distance of over 150 kilometres with him to his local community, to meet with his natives and familiarize with them, a gesture he said was uncommon with men of his status.

?I was just a young Captain in 1998 when I approached him with a desperate plea for help on behalf of Kukasheka, my hometown. He was then a serving Lieutenant Colonel and military governor.

?In an extraordinary display of humility and compassion, he did what few in his position would even consider: he dropped everything he was doing in Katsina and followed me, a stranger, a junior officer, more than 150 kilometres to my remote village.

?His visit was not ceremonial; it was purposeful, heartfelt and deeply human ?a historic and unprecedented occurrence in my life and our community.

?What followed remains etched in our collective memory. Within 24 hours, he mobilised the full resources of the state government to begin work on the water project he had promised when he came.

?While others in power might have given vague assurances, he acted with the urgency of someone who truly cared.

?Through him, water, dignity, and hope flowed into Kukasheka, and to this day, his name is spoken with reverence,? narrated Kukasheka.

Kukasheka further reminisced on the beautiful memories of how the late statesman forged a strong bond with members of his community, and even going as far learning their names and listening to their stories.

?But he didn?t just deliver water; he forged a lasting connection with our people. During his brief time in Kukasheka, he made friends with members of the community, learning their names, listening to their stories, and genuinely bonding with them.

?Remarkably, he continued to ask about them long after he left the office, just as they prayed for him and asked about his well-being. An unbreakable bond was formed, one of mutual respect, remembrance, and enduring affection,? stated Kukasheka.

Further eulogizing the late former military governor, Kukasheka reeled out his outstanding portfolios, describing him as ?a man of peace, intellect and uncommon service to humanity.?

?His compassion was as deep as his credentials were distinguished. A graduate of the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, a seasoned lawyer, and a Senator of the Federal Republic, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Iorshagher Akaagerger (Rtd) was a man of peace, intellect and uncommon service to humanity.

?His concern for the common man, from Katsina to Benue and beyond, was a true reflection of his humanity and statesmanship,? stated the former military spokesperson.

Kukasheka concluded his powerful eulogy by extending his heartfelt condolences to the family of the departed statesman, adding that the passing of a man of Akaagerger?s standing was a huge loss not only to his family, but to the nation as a whole.

He further described the late military governor as ?a bridge between power and the people? and ?a symbol of empathy in leadership.?

?To his beloved family, to the good people of Benue State, and to all peace-loving Nigerians, I offer my deepest condolences.

?To us, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Iorshagher Akaagerger (Rtd) was more than a military administrator; he was a bridge between power and the people, a symbol of empathy in leadership and a beacon of selfless service. We have indeed lost a great man.

?We will never forget him. Kukasheka will never forget him.

?May his noble soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,? stated Kukasheka.

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