By Newsmata
Nigeria’s former minister of Defence, Internal Affairs and retired Army General, Godwin Osagie Abbe, is dead. Abbe, who would have turned 75 on January 10, 2025, died Saturday night in a hospital in Abuja, following a protracted illness for which he had been in and out of hospital for several months.
Newsmata recalls that the Edo-born Abbe, who retired from the Nigerian Army in 1999, also served at different times as the military Governor of Akwa Ibom State (July 31, 1988 – September 5, 1990); and Rivers State (August 1990 to January 1992) and was a member of the then ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
The late Abbe served as minister of Interior between July 26, 2007, and July 14, 2009, and minister of defence from 2009 to 2010 under the administration of later former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Born January 10, 1949, Abbe was an Alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and 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, near Jos, Plateau State.
He became General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army; Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, (TRADOC) and Commander, National War College.
Meanwhile, the news of the death of one of Edo’s illustrious sons has thrown the state into mourning with Governor Monday Okpebhbolo and the immediate past governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, sending their condolences to his family.
Okpebholo described the late retired General as “a legendary son” of the state.
A statement on Sunday signed by the chief press secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, said “As a revered military officer, administrator, and statesman, General Abbe’s life was a testament to discipline, dedication, and service to the nation”.
It noted that his illustrious career in the Nigerian Army was marked by numerous achievements, including his promotion to Second Lieutenant in 1967, Lieutenant in 1969, and subsequent appointments as Battalion Commander, Instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy, and Staff Officer Grade I, among others.
The statement said “As a proud son of Edo State, General Abbe’s distinguished service to the nation is a source of inspiration and pride. 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.
Extending his heartfelt condolences to the family of General Abbe, the good people of Edo State and the entire nation, Governor Okpebholo said “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.”
Also mourning the departed General, Obaseki, in a statement described him as an illustrious Edo son who contributed immensely to the peace, unity, and development of the state and nation.
The former governor said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Major General Godwin Osagie Abbe (Retired), a distinguished statesman, administrator par excellence, well-decorated military officer, and patriot who dedicated his life to the service of our nation.
“An illustrious Edo son, the late General Abbe was a brave, cerebral, dogged and gallant officer worthy of commendations and emulation. Throughout his long and honourable military career, he maintained a rare panache for excellence, displaying exemplary courage and passion which endeared him to all.
“From his stint as Governor of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, to General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, to Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and later as the Minister of Defence as well as Internal Affairs, he distinguished himself, delivering excellently on every role he was assigned.”
Obaseki recalled that “During my tenure as Governor of Edo State between 2016 and 2024, the late Major General Abbe was a great ally and an invaluable source of support. His guidance and wise counsel were instrumental in ensuring the success of our administration, particularly in tackling crime and insecurity in the state. I am personally grateful for the opportunity of tapping into his extensive knowledge, experience and expertise.
“He will be fondly remembered for his loyalty, selfless service, and commitment to the peace, unity, security and development of the country. I commiserate with the Nigerian Army, the people of Edo State, the Abbe family, friends, and associates, and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.