Major General (Rtd) Godwin Osagie Abbe, former Minister of Defence and Internal Affairs, as well as a former military governor of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, has passed away.
Abbe reportedly died on Saturday night in Abuja after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by family sources. Born on January 10, 1949, he was just weeks away from his 76th birthday.
A Life of Service
Abbe’s illustrious career spanned decades, starting from his education at United Baptist School, Benin City (1953–1960), and Iguodala Secondary Modern School, Benin City (1961). He later attended Kiriji Memorial College, Igbajo, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
He enlisted in the Nigerian Army in July 1967, receiving extensive training both domestically and internationally. His military education included:
- The Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
- The Airborne/Infantry Officer Advanced Course at the US Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia (1972–1973).
- Ghana Armed Forces Staff College, Teshie (1978–1980).
Legacy
During his military career, Abbe served as Governor of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, leaving a legacy of administrative leadership. His contributions extended to his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence and Internal Affairs, where he played pivotal roles in national security and governance.
The late General’s passing marks the end of a chapter for a man remembered for his commitment to service, both in the military and in public office.
The late General enlisted into the Nigerian Army and was promoted Lance Corporal, 1967. He became Lieutenant in 1969; Battalion Commander, 1969-72; promoted Captain, 1971; Instructor (Company Officer), Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, 1974-76; promoted Major, 1975; Staff Officer Grade I, 2 Divisional Headquarters, NA, and Directing Staff, Senior Division, Command and Staff College, Jaji, 1979-80.
He became the First Nigerian Directing Staff on Secondment to Ghana Armed Forces Staff College, Teshie, 1980-82; and, promoted Lieutenant Colonel, 1983.
He was promoted to Colonel, 1986; was the Commander, 2nd Mechanised Division Garrison, Ibadan, up to 1988; appointed Military Governor, Akwa Ibom State,1988-1990; Passed Staff College (PSC); National Decoration: Forces Service Star (FSS) Medal, 1985.
General Abbe, CFR, Nigeria’s most decorated military officer of Edo extraction, was one time the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army; Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Commander, National War College, now National Defence College, Nigeria.
He retired in 1999 with the rank of Major General. He was appointed Minister of Interior on July 26, 2007; minister of Defence July 14, 2009 – 17 March 2010. He was a former chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State.
Gen Abbe whose honours include the Distinguished Service Star DSS; Pass Staff College PSc; National Institute MNI. He loved playing squash, hunting, masonry.
