Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has described the passing of the ex-Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan, retired Brigadier Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa, as a national loss of a forthright patriot and an erudite military officer.
Atiku stated this in a condolence message on Sunday.
He expressed his deepest condolences, prayers, and thoughts to the family and friends of late General Arogbofa.
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The Waziri of Adamawa, a former Customs Officer, was said to have known the deceased for five decades as a nephew to his bosom colleague and neighbour, late Chief Apata in Lagos since the 1970s.
Atiku extolled the virtues of Arogbofa as: “as a thoroughbred humble gentleman and a fine soldier who rose up the ladder of life to become a key player in national leadership and community stewardship.
“He was like a younger brother to me. And his Uncle’s wife, Yeye Apata, is still one of the closest friends to my wife, Titi Amina Abubakar.
“So, it was such a shock and painful experience to hear of his sudden passing away.
“Jones was a silent achiever, gentle giant, diligent and forthright public servant, nation builder, a downright patriot and simple character; despite his direct links to the powerful and mighty in the land.”
The former Vice President prays to Allah to forgive his sins and repose his soul. Also, he prays to the Almighty to comfort his nuclear and extended families, the good people of Oka Akoko, Ondo State Government, the Nigerian Army, and Nigeria as a whole.
The late Arogbofa, who had a double doctorate degrees in War, Peace and Conflicts Studies, once served as a Signal Officer in ECOMOG Operations in Liberia in the 1990s and Aide de Camp to top brass military officers; before becoming the Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The cerebral officer also authored several books, including the biography of his mentor, Lt. General Theophilus Y. Danjuma.
The late General Arogbofa, 71, hailed from Oka Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State. He is survived by his wife and children and an elder brother, who is the Afenifere General Secretary, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa.
