Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has expressed profound regrets on the death of the former Chief of General Staff and Vice Chairman of the defunct Provisional Ruling Council, Vice Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe.
Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the nation has lost a committed military officer who served his nation with utmost sense of responsibility and patriotism. The Governor said the nation has lost one of the most prominent characters and figures in the military administration that packaged a transition programme that transferred power to a civilian government in a record time.
Fayemi stressed that Akhigbe’s contribution to the return and stability of democracy in Nigeria would not be forgotten in a hurry. He noted that Akhigbe served the old Ondo State of which Ekiti was part as military governor during which he executed projects that had impact on the lives of the people.
Fayemi pointed out that Akhigbe’s dedication to service led to his appointment to higher command postings as Flag Officer Commanding, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of General Staff, which made him the number two citizen of the country between June 1998 and May 1999.
The Governor added that Akhigbe proved that he could be relevant in retirement by practising law through which he contributed to the legal profession especially in Maritime Law and Real Estate Law. He urged the family of the deceased to take heart and be consoled by the fact that the former naval chief contributed immensely to nation building as a military officer, an administrator and statesman.
Last modified: October 29, 2013