Erstwhile Minister of Defence during former President Musa Yar’Adua administration, General Godwin Osagie Abbe, has passed on.
Abbey who was also a military administrator of Akwa -Ibom and Rivers States, reportedly died on Saturday in Abuja after a protracted ailment.
The retired Major General was also the Minister of Interior between July 2007 and July 2009.
Born on January 10, 1949, Abbey was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the time, and one of the political leaders of the party in Edo state.
A graduate of the United States Army Infantry School Fort Benning, Georgia, the late Abbey was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army; Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Commander, National War College.
According to his Wikipedia profile, Godwin Abbe joined the military in 1967 as a private and was commissioned second lieutenant in July 1968.
Meanwhile, the Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebhbolo, has mourned the passing of the late General describing him as a legendary son of the State.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Fred Itua, the governor noted that 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, including his promotion to Lance Corporal in 1967, Lieutenant in 1969.
“This include his subsequent appointments as Battalion Commander, Instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy, and Staff Officer Grade I, among others.
“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.”
