General Godwin Osagie Abbe, a distinguished military officer and statesman who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence during the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, has passed away. Abbe died in Abuja on Saturday after a prolonged illness.
Born on January 10, 1949, Abbe had an illustrious career marked by exceptional service to the Nigerian Army and the nation. He served as a military governor of Akwa Ibom State (1988-1990) and Rivers State (1990-1992).
A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he also held the position of Minister of Interior between 2007 and 2009 under Yar’Adua’s administration.
An alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he earned a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations, Abbe also trained at prestigious institutions such as the United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia, and the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College.
His military career saw him rise through the ranks, achieving milestones such as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Commander of the National War College. Abbe retired in 1999 with the rank of Major General.
Reacting to his death, Edo State Senator Monday Okpebholo described General Abbe as a “legendary son of the state” whose life epitomized discipline, dedication, and service.
“General Godwin Osagie Abbe was a shining star whose light has been extinguished, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us,” Okpebholo said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.