General Godwin Osagie Abbe, a revered military officer and statesman who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, has died at the age of 74.
He passed away on Saturday in Abuja following a prolonged illness.
Born on January 10, 1949, Abbe had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army and public service. He served as the military governor of Akwa Ibom State (1988-1990) and Rivers State (1990-1992). A dedicated member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he also held the position of Minister of Interior from 2007 to 2009 in Yar’Adua’s administration.
An alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations, Abbe also underwent advanced training at institutions such as the United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia, and the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College.
During his illustrious military career, he held several key positions, including General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Commandant of the National War College.
He retired in 1999 with the rank of Major General.
Edo State Senator Monday Okpebholo mourned the loss of General Abbe, describing him as a “legendary son of Edo State” whose life embodied discipline, dedication, and service.
“General Godwin Osagie Abbe was a beacon of excellence and integrity. His passing is a profound loss, but his legacy will remain a guiding light for generations to come,” Okpebholo said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.