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Mark, IBB, Others Mourn Aikhomu
Senate President David Mark has described the late former Chief of General Staff and Military vice president, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, who died on Wednesday in Lagos as one of the nation’s best officers.
In a statement signed by Mr Paul Mumeh, his Chief Press Secretary, yesterday, Mark said Aikhomu was a distinguished officer who exhibited a high sense of patriotism, loyalty and commitment to the indivisibility of the nation.
“His death is a personal loss to me. I worked very closely with him and found him an accomplished officer and gentleman who was loyal and dedicated to his nation. He was a man of high moral standing. He was a leading light and was among the first set of officers in Africa that brought pride and honour to the continent because of his exploits and successes abroad,” Mark said.
The Senate President added that Aikhomu was one of the patriotic officers who laid the foundation for the Armed Forces of Nigeria which had become the pride of all.
He said Aikhomu as a politician, preached peace and non-violent electioneering, stressing that he eschewed rancour and bitterness in its entire ramification.
Mark urged Aikhomu’s wife, Rebecca, as well as the government and people of Edo State to take solace in the fact that the deceased left an indelible footprint on the sands of time.
Also, former Military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has expressed shock over the death of his deputy, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu.
According to a statement signed by his spokesman, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the former military leader said: “I am dumbfounded with the news coming on a day when I am celebrating my 70th birthday. I have lost a trusted, loyal and extremely reliable friend and a brother in Augustus Aikhomu. I enjoyed all my years of very warm and close relationship with him. He was a professional colleague who understood where we were headed as government and went out of his way to ensure, we achieved our set goals and objectives”.
Babangida prayed that God would grant Aikhomu eternal rest and grant the family and the nation the fortitude to bear the painful and irreplaceable loss.
Also,Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole expressed shock over the death of the former military vice president, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu.
The governor, who extolled the enviable military career of Aikhomu, said: “Although he served under a military administration, he managed to cut the image of a father figure and a man of moderate influence. In his years as a politician, he was vibrant and demonstrated a competitive spirit.’’
He commiserated with the widow, Rebecca, whom he described as a staunchly supportive spouse. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Aikhomu family at this trying moment and prayed God to grant him eternal rest,’’ the governor said.
Former Chief of General Staff (CGS) Adm. Augustus Aikhomu would be fondly remembered for his loyalty both in the military and politics, former Senate president Adolphous Wabara said.
The former Senate president prayed God to grant the elder statesman “eternal rest in his bosom” and fortitude for his family to bear the irreparable loss.
In his tribute, Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger described the death as a great loss.
A release, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, quoted the governor as saying that though Admiral Aikhomu died at the age of 72, after a prolonged illness, his death still came as a shock.
“Coming at a time when the guidance and advice of our great leaders are needed to help steer the ship of state, Admiral Aikhomu’s death is a big blow. But we are comforted that the great values he left behind will serve as guiding light not only to his former colleagues in the military but to the entire nation.”
Aliyu described Aikhomu as a loyal and dedicated deputy who supported former President Ibrahim Babangida in the re-engineering of Nigeria with resultant legacies in all sectors of the economy.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has described the death of the former Military Vice President of Nigeria, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu (Rtd), as a huge loss to the nation.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali described the late former Vice President as a statesman whose critical roles as vice president between 1986 – 1993 contributed in no small measure to the growth and development of Nigeria.
According to the statement, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alh. Abubakar Kawu Baraje and the Party’s National Working Committee deeply regret the passing away of Admiral Aikhomu whose years of committed service to the Nigerian Navy and the nation is a lesson in patriotism.
The PDP further prayed Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and comfort his family, the Government and people of Edo State, as well as the nation.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene
