Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Head of State, Gen.Abdulsalami Abubakar, led other prominent Nigerians, yesterday, when the remains of former Chief of General Staff(CGS), Vice-Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe, were laid to rest at his country home, Fugar in Etsako Local Government Council of Edo State.
Other dignitaries include Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, and Minister of Works, Arch.Mike Onolemenmen.
Curiously, the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadohme, was absent at the occasion. Akhigbe, from Fugar with Oghiadohme, made the latter the deputy governor under the administration of Governor Lucky Igbinedion.
Sambo, who represented President Jonathan at the occasion, described Akhigbe as an exemplary officer and gentleman, “ consumate administrator who displayed outstanding leadership.” In his remark, Mark described Akhigbe as a humble man who thought more of Nigeria, adding that he was the rallying point for members of the 3 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy(NDA).
Oshiomhole expressed gratitude to God for what He used Akhigbe to do for the country, Edo State and for him.. “There are many things Nigerians can learn from Akhigbe. One lesson from Admiral is that it is not how long you stay in power that would define what you do”.
The governor praised the honesty of purpose and courage of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Admiral Akhigbe in handing over power to civilians within a short time.
“Akhigbe helped in my being governor today because he convinced Gen.Abdulsalami to repeal the decrees made by Abacha to stop me from becoming NLC President. And thank God it was due to their magnanimity that I became governor today”.
Source: Vanguard
