CONDOLENCES: Gen Godwin Abbe played active role in saving my life, Gen Olanrewaju recalls, mourns
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd) in his reaction to the passing of former Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Rivers State, Major General Godwin Osagie Abbe, has described it as a shocking development.
General Abbe, also a former General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army and former Minister of the Interior and Minister of Defence, died in Abuja on Saturday December 21, 2024 at the age of 74.
In his first reaction, General Olanrewaju, also a former Commander Corps of Artillery, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army and one time Acting Military Governor of Old Ondo State, called the news breaking the death of his very close friend a “very sad news”, adding that, “Our dear friend and colleague, Gen Godwin Abbe passed on to eternity Saturday night in Abuja. May God grant him eternal rest. Amen!”
This was contained in a statement from the Media Office of Former Minister of Communications and Member Provisional Ruling Council (PRC), and GOC 3 Division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd), dated Monday December 23, 2024 and circulated to the media.
According to him, “The demise of Maj Gen Godwin Osagie Abbe was a painful one. He was a veteran, who fought during the Biafran Civil War and defended our country against secession. He was in the infantry while I was in the 2nd field battery, Artillery in Onitsha.
“Abbe was a brilliant infantry officer, who gave his all for his country, applying his exceptionally brilliant skills, and multi talented military experience in the performance of his tasks. He gave a good account of himself in the service of our country.
“The country has lost a statesman, a consummate military General, community leader and a gentleman.
“Abbe served the Nigerian Armed Forces with quality assurance and delivery and made brilliant contributions to the systemic growth and development of the state as a member of the highest policy making body in the country, the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC).
“It was in this hallowed chambers that General Abbe and other members were able to plead for my release on clemency from detention at the critical moments of my life, having been sentenced to death on the saga of 1997 Coup. This has remained an indelible and unforgettable experience. General Abbe played an active role in saving my life. He was a true friend while he was alive.
“As a testament to his talent and military knowledge, he was amongst the best choices for deployment in the highest possible positions in policy and decision-making. We fought in the same sector during the Biafra civil war until the end of the war in 1970 and gave good accounts of ourselves in the service of our country.
“His death came as a rude shock to me and my family. May his soul find solace in the bossom of the Lord. My condolences to the family,” said Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd).
