• The other 2 musketeers: Ribadu, Magu pay tribute
• Shettima, Atiku, Govs, others mourn
One of the three pioneers leaders of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Chairman of the agency, the late Ibrahim Lamorde DIG (rtd), has been laid to rest amidst encomiums by prominent Nigerians from different walks of life.
TheIdeal News recalls that the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo had in 2003, established the EFCC and appointed the three musketeers – Nuhu Ribadu, Ibrahim Lamorde and Ibrahim Magu to pilot the affairs on the new anti-graft agency and tackle corruption headlong.
But the 61- year-old Lamorde died on Sunday in Egypt after undergoing a surgery while he was buried on Wednesday at the Gudu Cemetery after the funeral prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja.
Paying tribute to their late colleague, the other two musketeers, Ribadu (now the National Security Adviser) and Magu, poured accolades on Lamorde, saying that his dedication to work and unflinching commitment to team work led to the success story of the EFCC.
The Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, also commended his predecessor in office, saying that the contributions of the late Lamorde to the EFCC were historic and remarkable.
The former Chairman of the ECCC, AbdulRasheed Bawa, paid tribute to the late Lamorde, saying that his contributions to the foremost anti-graft agency were second to none.
It was a gathering of ‘who is who’ as top management staff and officers of the EFCC were present at the funeral service and the burial ground to pay their last respects to their late former boss.
It is instructive to note that the funeral prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja, witnessed mammoth crowd as there was heavy traffic on the roads leading to the mosque.
Sympathisers in their large numbers were also at the Gudu Cemetery to witness the interment of the late Lamorde after the funeral prayers by the Islamic clerics.
Vice President Kashim Shettima led other eminent Nigerians to the funeral of the late Lamorde
The Vice President was joined at the burial ceremony by state governors: Babagana Zulum (Borno), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara).
Others who attended the funeral were the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume; Director General of Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed; former Governor of Borno State, Ali Sheriff, among others.
Speaking at the funeral, Shettima, who offered prayers for the departed soul, emphasised the principles of justice, integrity, and accountability that guided Lamorde’s life.
He said, “Today, we gather not only to bid farewell to a dedicated public servant but also to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of justice and integrity.
“As we offer our sincere prayers for the departed soul, let us also renew our resolve to walk the path of righteousness. The fight against corruption is a sacred duty, and it is incumbent upon us to purge our institutions of any traces of graft for the sake of our nation and our future generations.
“The Jana’iza (funeral prayer) reminds us of the ephemeral nature of this world and the certainty of the hereafter. Let us strive to leave behind a legacy of integrity, just as Ibrahim Lamorde dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and the eradication of financial crimes.
“I call upon all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, to unite in this noble cause. Together, we can build a nation where corruption has no place, and the principles of the Qur’an guide our actions and decisions.”
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