President Goodluck Jonathan has described the late Admiral Mike Akhigbe as an exemplary officer and gentleman who has left behind a rich legacy of dedicated service, commitment to professional excellence and outstanding leadership that has impacted profoundly beyond his military constituency.
The president stated this today in his tribute to the family of the Late former Chief of General Staff at his wake-keeping and funeral mass held in his hometown Fugar in Edo state.
In the tribute, which was read on his behalf by Vice President Namadi Sambo, President Goodluck Jonathan further said that he was confident that the worthy antecedents of the late Mike Akhigbe would continue to inspire his family, the people of Edo state and the entire nation to greater dedication to service “to our fellow man, our nation and our common humanity.” He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Earlier in his tribute, host Governor Adams Oshimhole of Edo state had described the late Akhigbe, as a fearless and courageous man who speaks the truth to power and speak the truth in power and did his best to respect the lives of Nigerian workers and their families.
Also in his tribute, the Senate President David Mark described the late Mike Akhigbe as a friend, brother, comrade, colleague and confidant who was known to him for forty six years from the day they first met as members of th 3rd Regular Course. He described him as a rallying point and a gem not only to his people but to Nigeria.
The Senate President described his loss as a personal loss to him. “A highly detribalised Nigerian, Nigeria was his hearth He was Nigeria and Nigeria was Mike”. said the Senate President.
In his remarks, the Officiating Priest Most Rev GG Dunia of Auchi Diocese described the late Akhigbe as a staunch Catholic who has identified with the church and has served the civil society with a difference. He appealed for immortalising the deceased name through provision of healthcare facilities especially cancer treatment centres, a disease which has taken away so many lives that would have contributed their quota towards the development of humanity and the Glory of God.
Vice President Namadi Sambo led the Federal Government delegation to the funeral ceremony. He was accompanied by the Ministers of Transport Umar Idris, Police Affairs Caleb Olubolade, Works Mike Onolememe amongst others.
The body of the late Mikheal Okhai Akhigbe was finally interred in his family compound after Christian wake-keeping and funeral mass at St Theresa Catholic Church.
