23rd November, 2013
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
Former Nigerian Chief of General Staff, Admiral Mike Akhigbe, was Saturday buried in Fugar, Etsako Central local government of Edo state, amidst eulogies.
President Goodluck Jonathan who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, described him as a role model, adding that “his legacies will encourage Nigerians to do more. He is an architect of a new Nigeria.”
Senate President, David Mark who was accommpanied by his wife, said Akhigbe was a gem for Nigeria.
“He said weather dead or alive, I want Nigeria to be a country where my children will be proud to say they are from Nigeria.”
Other dignitaries present to pay their last respect to Akhigbe included former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) and his wife, Justice Fati, past State Military Administrators, past and present members of the National Assembly, including Domingo Obende, Military top brass, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, Governor Segun Mimiko of Ondo State and Representatives of Governors of Lagos and Ekiti States.
In a homily, Rev. Fr. Innocent Okifoh said Christian burial was for spiritual support of the soul of the death and to honour the living.
“Death is not the end of life. It only changes the texture of life. Akhigbe has been in government and every mandate to govern is from God and when you are in Government you should ask yourself what would you be remembered for and what would God reward you for,” Rev. Fr. Okifoh said.
In his remark, Senate President, Sen. David Mark, described the departed Vice-Admiral as very humble man who thougt more of Nigeria, adding that he was the rallying point for all the members of the 3 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, (NDA).
He urged the children to follow the footsteps of their father.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state, expressed gratitude to God for what He used Akhige to do for the country, Edo State and for himself.
He praised the honesty of purpose and courage of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Admiral Akhigbe in handing over power to civilians within a short time.
“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.”
Conspicuously absent at the ceremony was the Chief of Staff to President Jonathan, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe who is the highest political appointee from the area and the entire Edo North senatorial district.