Ex-Defence, Interior Minister, Godwin Abbe is Dead, Akpabio, Mark, Govs Mourn

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A former Minister of Defence and Interior at different times, General Godwin Osagie Abbe, is dead.
He died yesterday in Abuja after a protracted illness, a family source has confirmed.
Born 10 January 1949 in Benin City, Edo State. Abbe  was a Nigerian Army Major General and former Defence Minister of Nigeria and Interior.
Abbe joined the military in 1967 as a private, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in July 1968, and subsequently promoted Colonel in 1986. He served during the Nigerian Civil War.
He was 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.
Abbe was the military governor of Akwa Ibom State 1988–1990) and Rivers State (1990–1991).
He then became General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army; Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Commander, National War College. He retired in 1999 with the rank of Major General.
Mourning the deceased, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, described his pasing as a great loss to the people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria in general.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President said the late Abbe, who was also once a military Governor of Rivers State, was a “dedicated public servant.
He also described him as a patriot and a trailblazer, who contributed immensely to the development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria as a whole.
 He said, “His demise is a great loss not only to his family and the people of Akwa Ibom State but to the entire nation.
“His legacy of selfless service, integrity and leadership will continue to inspire future generations.”
Also, a former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, described his demise as the fall of an Iroko, a fallen hero that has left a yawning vacuum in the Nigerian state.
Mark said Abbe was an uncommon patriot, who gave his all both as an officer in the military and civil rule in the service of the nation.
“General Abbe was a great soldier, one of the leading lights in the Arms Forces of Nigeria. In all the assignments he handled, he demonstrated unwavering commitment, dedication, and patriotism and was faithful to the end,” he said.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebhbolo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, described Abbe as a revered military officer, administrator, and statesman, adding that his life was a testament to discipline, dedication, and service to the nation.
“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.”
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, also expressed shock and sadness over his death.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara described Abbe as one leader, who dedicated himself to the service and wellbeing of Rivers people and humanity during his administration in the State.

He said the death of the military officer, politician and administrator was a very huge loss to the State, the Niger Delta, and the entire country, having traversed the length and breath of the nation in the cause of his military and political careers.

“While we mourn his painful exit at this difficult time, we pray for the eternal repose of his soul, and urge the family to take solace in the fact that late Gen Abbe lived a fulfilled life in the service of his fatherland,” he said.