A man of exceptional excellence, General Abbe excelled as both a military officer and politician, reaching the pinnacle in both careers – a rare gem.
My first encounter with General Abbe was through my dad in the 80s. Both civil war veterans, they joined the military around the same time. His conduct, both in and out of office, was impeccable, splendid, and meticulous.
In 2011, during the presidential election buildup, I worked as an assistant to Engr. Dr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, then Minister of Works. I recall visiting General Abbe at his residence to deliver a message. As I turned to leave, he called me back, ensuring he understood the message correctly. Thankfully, it matched his expectations. I shared this experience with my dad, who chuckled, saying, “Vintage Godwin, highly meticulous.”
We fondly recounted this episode whenever we met. When General Abbe turned 70, nearly six years ago, he thanked me for a heartfelt tribute, where I described him as an eminent member of Edo’s “FIRST-ELEVEN” and most decorated military officer of Edo extraction.
General Abbe’s impressive career spanned governorships of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, GOC 2 Div, Tradoc Commander, and ministerial roles in Internal Affairs and Defence. He served with diligence and integrity, maintaining a disciplined and spartan lifestyle.
Our last meeting was when he visited my recuperating dad, his bosom friend, a few months ago. About three weeks ago, General Abbe consoled me in a call, unaware that his own homecoming was imminent.
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Adieu, great General. You came, you saw, and you conquered.
OKHIENDEHIA BABA!
Kept in evergreen memory by Owen Chamberlain Obaseki
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