A former military governor, General Godwin Osagie Abbe, who also served as minister of defence under Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration, has died.
Abbe was military governor of Akwa Ibom State from July 31, 1988 to September 5, 1990 and Rivers State from August 1990 to January 1992.
He passed away in Abuja on Saturday after a protracted illness.
Born on January 10, 1949, Abbe was a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife.
Between July 26, 2007 and July 14, 2009, the retired Major General, who was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also served as interior minister under Yar’Adua.
The late Abbe retired as a Major General in 1999.
Mourning the deceased, Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, described the late general as a “famous son of the state.”
Okpebholo, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, said Abbe exemplified discipline, commitment, and national service while describing him as a respected military officer, administrator, and statesman.
The statement partly read: “…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.”
