By Usman Aliyu
Benin, Dec. 22, 2024
Retired Maj.-Gen. Godwin Osagie Abbe, a former minister of Defence during the administration of late former President Umaru Yar’Adua is dead.
Abbe, who was also a military Governor of Akwa Ibom, between July 31, 1988 and Sept. 5, 1990; and Rivers, Aug. 1990 and Jan. 1992 was said to have died in Abuja on Saturday after a protracted sickness.
The retired major general, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was also Minister of Interior between July 26, 2007 and July 14, 2009 under the same administration of the late Yar’Adua.
An Alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Abbe was born on Jan. 10, 1949, and would have attained the milestone of 75 years in 2025.
He was also a graduate of the United States Army Infantry School Fort Benning, Georgia, Ghana Armed Forces Staff College and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.
He became General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army; Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Commander, National War College. The late Abbe retired in 1999.
Meanwhile, Gov. Monday Okpebhbolo of Edo has mourned the late General, describing him as a legendary son of the state.
Okpebholo in a statement in Benin on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said as a revered military officer, administrator, and statesman, Abbe’s life was a testament to discipline, dedication, and service to the nation.
According to him, his illustrious career in the Nigerian Army was marked by numerous achievements.
The governor noted that, as a proud son of the state, Abbe’s distinguished service to the nation was a source of inspiration and pride.
“His tenure as Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 1988 to 1990, and later as Minister of Defence and Internal Affairs, demonstrated his exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian people.
“General Godwin Osagie Abbe was a shining star whose light has been extinguished, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.
“We celebrate his life, his service, and his contributions to our great nation.
“As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we reflect on the traditional and philosophical principles that guided his life and career.
“May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to illuminate the path to greatness for the people of Edo State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
In another development, the management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), has commiserated with the family of the late elder statesman, Maj-Gen. Abbe, on his passing at 75.
Prof. Edoba Omoregie, Vice Chancellor of the university, in a statement issued on Sunday in Benin, on behalf of the management and staff of the institution, described Abbe as a Benin icon.
Omoregie said that the former military Governor of Akwa Ibom and Rivers states epitomised goodness, diligence and dynamism and would be greatly missed.
He prayed to God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest, and comfort his wife, children and entire family he left behind.
