Admiral Augustus Aikhomu Dies, GEJ Condoles Family
LONDON, August 17, (THEWILL) – Former Vice President Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, 72, has died in his Apapa residence, Lagos, family sources told THEWILL Wednesday evening.
The late admiral Aikhomu was admitted at a London hospital some months back to treat prostate cancer and has struggled with his health since then. He died as a result of complications from the ailment, THEWILL gathered from his family.
Coincidental or ironically, his former boss and ally, General Ibrahim Babangida turned 70 today.
August Aikhomu, (GCON, Fss, mni) was until his demise the Chairman of Regency Alliance Insurance Plc. He was also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management.
Born in Irua in 1939, Admiral Aikhomu rose to become Chief of Naval Staff and retired as Chief of General Staff and Vice President alongside then self-styled military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.
Known for his military discipline and unwavering loyalty to the state, he was educated at Irrua Government School, Yaba College of Technology 1954 - 1958, Royal Britannia Naval College, Long Gunnery Specialist Course, India and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, 1982.
He was a Commanding Officer, in Shore Patrol Crafts, Commanding Officer, NNS Dorina, Chief of Personnel, Naval Headquarters, Chief of Naval Operations, 1983-84 and Chief of Naval Staff, 1984-1986.
The late Admiral Aikhomu until his death was married to Rebecca and between them have five kids—Ehime, Vinita, Ehije, Ebi and Suzanne.
However, President Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with the Irua, Ekpoma, Edo State Aikhomu family following the demise of the former Vice President.
Jonathan’s statement by his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati said, “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received, with shock and sadness, the news of the death of Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, Rtd, Nigeria’s Chief of General Staff from 1986 – 1993. President Jonathan described Admiral Aikhomu as a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria in the Navy, and contributed immensely to the political development of Nigeria as second-in-command to President Ibrahim Babangida.
“Admiral Aikhomu’s life was defined by the values of hard work and commitment; he was a conscientious and dutiful officer who was in all respects admirably equipped for his roles in the military and in the larger society,” the President added.
“Even in retirement, Admiral Aikhomu continued to offer his services to Nigeria. He said the death marks the sad loss of an experienced, committed and dedicated Nigerian, at a time when the country still needs his wisdom and knowledge and contributions as a statesman. President Jonathan expressed his personal condolence and that of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the family, and prayed that God would grant them comfort and consolation to bear this irreparable loss.”