Oshiomhole plans Aikhomu’s immortalisation

Posted by admin Edo, Latest Politics, State News Saturday, August 20th, 2011

GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said that his government was presently discussing with the family of the late former Chief of General Staff , Admiral Augustus Aikhomu who served under General Ibrahim Babagida’s military administration on the burial plans and how to immortalise the elderstateman who was the only Edo indigene to have risen to that enviable position of a deputy head of government since independence.

The governor arrived the home of the late naval officer at number 7 Forcadoe Street Apapa GRA at about 4. 12 pm in company of his newly appointed Commissioner of Information, former Editor-in-Chief of National Life Newspapers , Mr. Louis Odion.

In his reaction to the death of Aikhomu, Oshiomhole said that the death of Admiral Augustus Aikhomu (retired )came as a shock to him and the people of Edo State where Aikhomu came from, praying God to forgive him his sins, if he had committed any, and receive his soul. The governor consoled himself and the people of Edo State by saying that according to the Bible there is time to live and a time to die, stressing that his death was a loss to the nation as Aikhomu was a silent achiever when he was in power.

On the burial plan, the younger brother of Aikhomu, Rear Admiral Joseph Aikhomu said that the burial plans were still on-going as the family was still discussing with Edo State government and family members.

He was passionate, loving – Ijewere
According to one time ICAN President, Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere, the late naval officer was a passionate and loving person who cared so much for his friends and the down-trodden.

“His death is a shock to me because according to my standard, he died at a tender age. He was a silent worker who brought in Coach Clement Westerhof and grew the national teams to greater heights during his administration , he will forever be missed,” Ijewere said.

The daughter of the late Aikhomu, Mrs Vinatha Nimmuney, stated that “our father was a loving and caring man who devoted his time for us. While we were growing up, he took time to take us out, he was a disciplinarian for a good course; we will seriously miss him.”

His death a great blow —Saraki
In a related development, former Kwara State governor and Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki, has joined other Nigerians to mourn the death of the former military vice president, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu (rtd).

A statement issued in Ilorin by Senator Saraki’s media assistant, Mr. Akintoba Fatiregun and made available to Sunday Tribune, yesterday, described Aikhomu’s death as a great blow to the people of the country.

He also said that Nigerians would always remember the late elder statesman for his contribution and support towards the socio- economic growth of the nation, and that he would be missed for his advice in the transformational plan of the present administration.

Saraki added that Admiral Aikhomu was one of the detribalised Nigerians that had used his position to bring a lease of life to the people of the country, adding that,” there is no doubt that Nigerians will be missing his wealth of experience, wisdom, among others in the current task of building a new Nigeria.”

He also described him as a man of honour and dignity, and prayed Almighty Allah to give the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.

Meanwhile, the former governor has also felicitated with the former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida on his recent 70th birthday.

-Tribunewp_posts