By Straightnews
Some prominent Nigerians have condoled with the family over the death of former Minister of Defence, and also of Internal Affairs, Major-General Godwin Osagie Abbe (retired).
Abbe who also served as Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States during his military career died on Saturday night in Abuja after a protracted illness.
Among the sympathisers are President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
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Senator Akpabio, expressed sorrow over the death of former military Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Brigadier General Godwin Abbe, calling it a great loss to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
Recalling Abbe’s tenure as Minister of Defence and Minister of Interior, Akpabio 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.”
On behalf of his family, Akpabio extended condolences to General Abbe’s family, the government, and the people of Akwa Ibom State, praying for strength to bear the loss.
Similarly, Senator David Mark, referred to Abbe’s death as the fall of an Iroko, symbolizing the loss of a hero whose absence leaves a huge vacuum in the Nigerian state.
In a statement from his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, Senator Mark hailed General Abbe as an uncommon patriot, who served both in the military and in civilian governance with integrity, discipline, and an unwavering love for the nation.
Mark noted, “General Abbe was a great soldier, one of the leading lights in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In all the assignments he handled, he demonstrated unwavering commitment, dedication, and patriotism.”
As a military governor of Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, Mark said Abbe left behind a legacy of accomplishments. He also praised Abbe’s work as General Officer Commanding (GOC), Commandant of the Nigerian Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Commandant of the National War College (NWC), where he upheld the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.
Mark further stated, “He was Nigeria’s Minister of Defence with a difference. He was a leader of leaders.” He expressed that Abbe’s death has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
Senator Mark prayed for General Abbe’s eternal rest and for his family to have the strength to endure the loss.
Also, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno described the passing of Retired Major General Godwin Abbe, the second Military Governor of the State, as a sad and painful loss to the state and the nation.
Governor Eno highlighted General Abbe’s pivotal role in laying the foundation for the state’s growth and development during his tenure.
“The late former Military Governor helped lay the foundation of an ascendant Akwa Ibom State, where the dreams of our founding fathers for a prosperous, united, and peaceful state would become a reality.”
He acknowledged that the late Abbe’s leadership exemplified selflessness, passion, and dedication, setting a standard that successive leaders have strived to uphold.
“Today, because he interpreted those ideals perfectly, our state has experienced exponential growth across all sectors. We remain dedicated to continuing and expanding on the path of peace, progress, and development he championed.”
Governor Eno extended heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the loss, stating: “We offer our deepest condolences to the family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the people and Government of Edo State on the sad and painful passing of this gallant and patriotic Nigerian military tactician and statesman.”
The governor assured that the Akwa Ibom State Government would collaborate with the family and the Nigerian Army to ensure that General Abbe receives a befitting funeral.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement concluded.
This is as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Major-General Godwin Osagie Abbe (rtd), a former military governor of Rivers State from August 1990 to January 1992.
Fubara described Gen. Abbe as a leader who dedicated himself to the service and well-being of the people of Rivers State and humanity at large. He noted that the passing of the distinguished military officer, politician, and administrator is a significant loss to Rivers State, the Niger Delta, and the entire country, given Abbe’s contributions during his military and political careers.
“On behalf of my family, the Government, and the good people of Rivers State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Abbe family, the people of Edo State, and the Nigerian military on the passing of this colossus, whose contributions to the unity, peace, and development of our nation remain legendary,” Fubara stated.
“While we mourn his painful exit at this difficult time, we pray for the eternal repose of his soul and urge his family to take solace in the knowledge that Gen. Abbe lived a fulfilled life in service to his fatherland.”
The governor emphasized the enduring legacy of the late General’s service to Nigeria.
Abbe’s biography
Abbe was born on January 10, 1949, and would have turned 76 on January 10, 2025.
He attended United Baptist School, Benin City, 1953-60, Iguodala Secondary Modern School, Benin City, 1961, Kiriji Memorial College, Igbajo, Ifelodun, Oyo State, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; enlisted in the Nigerian Army, July 1967, and attended various military courses, including Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Air-Borne/Infantry Officer Advanced Course, US Army Infantry School, Fort- Benning, Georgia, USA, 1972-73, Ghana Armed Forces Staff College, Teshie, 1978-80.
The late General enlisted into the Nigerian Army and was promoted Lance Corporal, 1967. He became Lieutenant in 1969; Battalion Commander, 1969-72; promoted Captain, 1971; Instructor (Company Officer), Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, 1974-76; promoted Major, 1975; Staff Officer Grade I, 2 Divisional Headquarters, NA, and Directing Staff, Senior Division, Command and Staff College, Jaji, 1979-80.
He became the First Nigerian Directing Staff on Secondment to Ghana Armed Forces Staff College, Teshie, 1980-82; and, promoted Lieutenant Colonel, 1983.
Abbe was promoted to Colonel, 1986; was the Commander, 2nd Mechanised Division Garrison, Ibadan, up to 1988; appointed Military Governor, Akwa Ibom State,1988-1990; Passed Staff College (PSC); National Decoration: Forces Service Star (FSS) Medal, 1985.
General Abbe, CFR, Nigeria’s most decorated military officer of Edo extraction, was one time the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army; Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Commander, National War College, now National Defence College, Nigeria.
He retired in 1999 with the rank of Major General. He was appointed Minister of Interior on July 26, 2007; minister of Defence July 14, 2009 – 17 March 2010. He was a former chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State.
Gen Abbe whose honours include the Distinguished Service Star DSS; Pass Staff College PSc; National Institute MNI loved .playing squash, hunting, masonry.
