The late Maj-Gen Godwin Abbe (rtd).
By Usman Aliyu
Maj-Gen Godwin Abbe (rtd), former Minister of Defence under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, is dead.
He was said to have died in Abuja on Saturday after a protracted sickness.
The late Abbe was also the Military Governor of Akwa Ibom between July 31, 1988 and Sept. 5, 1990.
He was redeployed to Rivers in the same capacity from Aug. 1990 to Jan. 1992.
Abbe who until his death was a member of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, was also the Minister of Interior between July 26, 2007 and July 14, 2009 under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
The deceased Army General was an alumnus of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Born on Jan. 10, 1949, the late Abbe, who retired in 1999, would have attained the milestone of 75 years in a few weeks time.
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.
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.
