News
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.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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