National
Otuaro Grief Over Death of First PAP Chairman
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Maj-Gen Godwin Abbe (rtd.), who passed away after a brief illness in Abuja on Saturday at the age of 75.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Dr. Otuaro described the late Abbe as a courageous and dedicated military officer who served Nigeria with exceptional patriotism. He noted that Abbe’s demise is a significant loss to the nation, the military institution, and Edo State.
Otuaro highlighted the late general’s exceptional contributions to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, noting that Abbe laid a solid foundation as its first chairman from 2009 to 2010. These efforts, according to Otuaro, have left indelible legacies that continue to shape the programme’s success.
“His departure is a huge loss to the nation, the military institution, and Edo State,” Otuaro stated. “As the first chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (2009-2010), Maj-Gen Godwin Abbe laid a solid foundation upon which the programme has made tremendous progress since its inception.”
Dr. Otuaro extended his heartfelt condolences to the military establishment, the Abbe family, the Edo State government, and the late general’s community. He prayed for the eternal repose of Abbe’s soul and for strength for his loved ones in this time of grief.
“I commiserate with the military institution, his family, community, the government, and good people of Edo State on the sad incident. I pray to God for the eternal repose of his soul and to grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this loss,” Otuaro said.
Dr. Otuaro further remarked that Maj-Gen Abbe was not just a trailblazer in the amnesty programme but also a remarkable leader whose legacy will inspire future generations. “He was a leader who demonstrated unwavering commitment to nation-building and the upliftment of others. His wisdom and dedication will be sorely missed,” he added.
The late Maj-Gen Godwin Abbe was a former military governor of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, and he also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence and Minister of Interior.