Erstwhile Chief of General Staff (CGS), Vice Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe, has died.The 68-year-old died last night — one day after he was rumoured dead — in a New York Hospital where he was receiving treatment for cancer.
A native of Fugar, Edo State, he rose to the peak of his career as Chief of Naval Staff, and was equally Military Governor of both Ondo and Lagos States.
Reacting to news of his demise, President of the Senate, David Mark described his death as the loss of a brother, confidant, friend and comrade-at-arms.
“He took these attributes to all the formations where he was privileged to have been posted either in his core military postings or political offices,” Mark stated in a release signed by his spokesman, Kola Ologbodiyan.
Recalling their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Mark said Mike was fearless and very diligent.
“He was one of the poster boys of our Course 3 and we were all very proud of him. His death is a huge personal loss to me, the members of Course 3, the Armed Forces, Edo State and the nation,” Mark, who is the chairman of Course 3 Alumni of the Nigerian Defence Academy, added.
“But we cannot question God. He alone gives life and takes same when he so desires. We are bound by his decision to take our brother and friend at this time. We are however consoled that while Mike was with us, he lived his life in the service of God and mankind. May the Lord grant all of us the fortitude to bear this very painful departure.”
