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 hometwon 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 enitre 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, the host Govenor, Adams Oshimhole of Edo state
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 decribed 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.