Akhigbe’s Death Is A Great Loss—Gov. Peter Obi

Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi reacted to the news of Admiral Mike Akhigbe's death yesterday, describing it as a sad surprise. Taking a philosophical view of the development, Obi said the cold facts about death are that it comes when we hardly expect it and it is irreversible.

'I'm saddened by the loss of a fellow Nigerian, someone who was a patriot and a statesman, qualities that the nation is direly in need of. But it has happened. There's nothing we can do to turn back the hand of t he clock. I sincerely commiserate with his family, the Government and people of Edo State and the nation at large.'

Obi noted that Admiral Akhigbe was assured of not just a space in the history of Nigeria but more importantly of favourable mention for the role he played in the transition to the fourth republic. As the chief of general staff at the time, Akhigbe literally had the role of a midwife in the transition process and Nigerians are agreed he discharged that responsibility well.

Governor Obi said it was regrettable that death came when the late soldier could have availed the nation of his experience. Obi observed that given his antecedents and love for the country, the deceased would have been a welcome facilitator in the ongoing preparations for a national conference.

Concluding, he said the lesson in every death was a wake up call on the living to do their best while they still had the time. He called on Nigerians as they mourned the death of Akhigbe to strive to build a great nation.