Retired Maj.-Gen. Godwin Osagie Abbe, a former minister of Defence during the administration of the late former President Umaru Yar’Adua is dead.

The late Abbe, was also a military governor of Akwa Ibom State, between July 31, 1988 and September 5, 1990; and Rivers State from August 1990 and January 1992 was said to have died in Abuja on Saturday after a protracted sickness.

The retired major general, a member of the People’s Democratic Party, was also minister of Interior between July 26, 2007 and July 14, 2009 under the same administration of the late Yar’Adua.

The was an alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, was born on January 10, 1949, and would have attained been 75 years in 2025.

He was also 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.

He became General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army; Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Commander, National War College. The late Abbe retired in 1999.

Meanwhile, Edo State governor, Monday Okpebhbolo, has mourned the late general, describing him as a legendary son of the state.

Mr Okpebholo in a statement in Benin City on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said as a revered military officer, administrator, and statesman, the late Abbe’s life was a testament to discipline, dedication, and service to the nation.

According to him, his illustrious career in the Nigerian Army was marked by numerous achievements.

The governor noted that, as a proud son of the state, the late Abbe’s distinguished service to the nation was a source of inspiration and pride.

He stated, “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, service and 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.’’

(NAN)