By Abdulateeef Bamgbose
Former Senate President, David Mark has described the demise of General Godwin Abbe as the fall of an Iroko, a fallen hero that has left a yawning vacuum in the Nigerian state.
Senator Mark said General 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.
Reacting to his death in Abuja, Senator Mark noted that General Abbe was his Comrade-in-Arms who upheld the sanctity of integrity, discipline and love for man and country.
He stated: “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, and was faithful to the end.
” As military governor of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States at different times, General Abbe left a legacy of accomplishments and indelible footprints.
“As General Officer Commanding, GOC, and commandant, Training and Doctrine of the Nigerian Army, TRADOC, as well as commandant, National War College, NWC, the deceased demonstrated brilliance and upheld the highest traditions of the armed forces, especially in the protection of the territorial integrity of the nation.
According to the former Senate president, “He was Nigeria’s minister of defence with a difference. He was a leader of leaders. In General Abbe, Nigeria has lost one her best and fertile minds. He has left a huge vacuum that would be difficult to fill”.
Senator Mark prayed that God in his infinite mercy grant General Abbe eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
