FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Former Minister of Defence, Major General Godwin Abbe is dead.
A family source confirmed to AljazirahNigeria that the late General died in Abuja on Saturday night after a brief illness.
Born January 10, 1949 in Benin City, Edo State, General Abbe joined the military in 1967 as a private, and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in July 1968 and subsequently promoted Colonel in 1986.
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 from 1988 to 1990 and Rivers State from 1990 to 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.
The former defence minister also served as minister of interior.
Meanwhile, the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, in a condolence message, described General Abbe as a revered military officer, administrator and statesman.
He said General Abbe’s life was a testament to discipline, dedication and service to the nation.
“As a proud son of Edo State, his distinguished service to the nation is a source of inspiration and pride.
“As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we reflect on the traditional and philosophical principles that guided his life and career,” the governor said.
