Former Nigerian Minister Passes Away

Former Nigerian Minister Passes Away

Major General Godwin Osagie Abbe, the former Minister of Defence and Interior Affairs, has passed away. According to reports from Naija News, Abbe died in Abuja on Saturday night after a prolonged illness…READ MORE…

Family members confirmed to Vanguard that Abbe, who also held leadership roles as Governor of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States during his military tenure, has died.

Born on January 10, 1949, Abbe would have celebrated his 76th birthday on January 10, 2025. His educational background includes attendance at United Baptist School in Benin City from 1953 to 1960, Iguodala Secondary Modern School in 1961, and Kiriji Memorial College in Igbajo, Oyo State. He also studied at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife.

Abbe enlisted in the Nigerian Army in July 1967, attending several military courses, including those at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna and the U.S. Army Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia, from 1972 to 1973, as well as the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College from 1978 to 1980.

Starting his military career as a Lance Corporal in 1967, he quickly rose through the ranks to Lieutenant by 1969 and served as Battalion Commander from 1969 to 1972. By 1971, he had attained the rank of Captain and later became a Major in 1975. He served as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy and held various commands and staff roles until being promoted to Colonel in 1986.

General Abbe held several significant positions, including General Officer Commanding of the 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army, Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, and Commander of the National War College, which is now the National Defence College. He retired as a Major General in 1999.

His political career included appointments as Minister of Interior on July 26, 2007, and Minister of Defence from July 14, 2009, to March 17, 2010. He also previously served as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State. General Abbe was recognized for his service with numerous decorations, including the Forces Service Star (FSS) Medal in 1985.

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