. Jonathan, Uduaghan condole with family
The House of Representatives yesterday called on the Federal Government to name a national monument after the late former Chief of General Staff, Vice-Admiral Mike Akhigbe (rtd). The House also observed a minute silence in honour of Akhigbe during its plenary in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Hon. Abubakar Momoh (APC-Edo), which was unanimously adopted without debate when put to vote by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. Momoh said Akhigbe deserved to be honoured and mentioned in the parliament due to his contributions to national development.
He said the former chief of general staff, who died on October 28, had contributed immensely to the building of the nation.
He therefore urged the House to support the motion and immortalise him. The Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, expressed shock and sadness over the death of Admiral Akhigbe. This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam.
Tambuwal described Akhigbe as a gentleman officer, whose contributions and that of his peers towards the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999 would remain indelible in the annals of the country's history.
He said Nigerians would forever remain grateful to the Abdulsalami Abubakar regime, which Akhigbe served as deputy, for its diligence and commitment to ensure the return of democracy to the country.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday condoled with the entire Akhigbe family.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President also commiserated with officers and men of the Nigerian Navy, which Akhigbe once led as Chief of Naval Staff, as well as the government and people of his home state, Edo, on the passage of the very courageous officer, who patriotically served his nation to the best of his God-given abilities.
The President said he joined Akhigbe's family, colleagues and subordinates in the Nigerian Navy, friends, associates and all who knew him in mourning the former Chief of General Staff.
Also, the Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, described the late Admiral as a courageous leader, who always spoke the truth even in the face of daunting challenges and at great risks to his life. Uduaghan, in a statement by Felix Ofou, his press secretary, also described the former number two citizen as a disciplinarian who lived a spartan life and insisted that the interest of the masses must be considered before critical national decisions are taken.
Notwithstanding his military background, the governor applauded Akhigbe's pro-people initiatives, resulting among others in his joining hands with General Abdulsalami Abubakar to return Nigeria to civilian democracy in May, 1999 as well as helping to nurture it.