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Governor Okowa.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has expressed deep sadness on the passing on of very illustrious sons and daughter of the state.

The governor at different times and in separate condolence messages mourned the passing on to glory of a chieftain OF Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tom Amioku, Maj.-Gen. John Obada (rtd) and Mrs Victoria Avwomakpa, wife of Bishop God-do-well Avwomakpa.

While Amioku reportedly died on Saturday after a protracted illness, a few days to June 17 when he would have been 75 years old, Obada died on Saturday night after a brief illness at 81. Mrs. Avwomakpa, who hailed from Ekrerhavwen in Ughelli North Local Government Area, battled ill-health for many years before her demise at 67.

Describing Amioku as a gentleman politician, Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olise Ifeajika in Asaba said that the demise of Amioku was a great loss to the state and the PDP family, especially at this critical period.

He commiserated with the people of Egborode community, Okpe Local Government Area and Urhobo nation over the sad incident.

According to the governor, the deceased was a gentleman-politician and stakeholder, who served Deltans dedicatedly and conscientiously in the several capacities he served the state.

He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of an elder statesman and grassroots politician, who passed on Saturday.

“The news of his death came to me as another shock, coming a few days after the passing of a serving DESOPADEC board member and former member of the state’s cabinet.

“Chief Amioku was a gentleman-politician, who distinguished himself in the service of Delta, first, as Commissioner for Special Duties from 1999 to 2001, Commissioner for Power and Energy from 2001 to 2003 and Commissioner for Works from 2003 to 2007.

“In all the assignments, he demonstrated immense commitment to the unity and development of the state, and due to his outstanding performance in those ministries and in the Executive Council of the state, he was appointed Commissioner in charge of Delta on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).’’

The governor prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends to bear the loss.

Amioku hailed from Egborode in Okpe Local Government Area. He was Vice-Chairman of PDP in Delta Central, and in Gov. Okowa’s administration, was pioneer Chairman, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency.

For Major General Obada the governor condoled with the deceased’s Agbarho community, the people of Ughelli North Local Government Area and the Urhobo nation over the sad incident.

Okowa said that the news of Obada’s death was devastating, especially as the nation was in dire need of the wise counseling of retired top military personnel, including Obada, to solve the avalanche of security challenges currently faced by the country.

He, however, added that he was consoled by the fact that the memories of the departed army general would remain immortal.

“As Deltans, we are extremely proud of the outstanding contributions of Gen. Obada to the Nigerian Army where he served as Aide-De-Camp to Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe from 1964 to 1966.

“He was also Commander, Training Command, Nigerian Air Force, Kaduna, 1971 to 1975; General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Enugu, known then as 4th Infantry Division, Nigerian Army.

“Gen. Obada had an illustrious military career and served the nation with all his heart, with full dedication and commitment to duty.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Delta, I send my deepest condolences to the Obada family, the Urhobo nation and the people of Agbarho where he hails from,” the governor said.

He prayed almighty God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

During his career, Obada acted as Chief of Air Staff (COAS) from 1970 to 1971, and was Federal Commissioner for Works and member of the Supreme Military Council.

He was the President of the Special Military Tribunal that tried and condemned Colonel Buka Dimka after the 1976 coup de-tat in which the military Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, was killed.

Obada retired from the Nigerian Army in 1977 and represented Delta State in the Federal Revenue Mobilisation, Allocations and Fiscal Commission.

At home, he was 2nd Vice-President of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), the apex socio-cultural umbrella body of the Urhobo nation, and later Chairman, Board of Trustees of the union.
Commiserating with the Avwomakpa family the governor said that it was heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Mrs Victoria Avwomakpa, noting that her death was a huge loss not just to her family, but to the church and the society.

He said that Mrs Avwomakpa’s contribution to society was laudable and urged her husband, children and other family members to be consoled by the legacies she left behind.

Governor Okowa said: “I learnt of the passing of Pastor (Mrs) Victoria Avwomakpa, the wife of our father and former South-South Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop God-dowell Avwomakpa.

“It is indeed heart-breaking to lose a dear one, especially a wife of 48 years.

“Although death is the way of all mortals and debt we must all pay, I am nonetheless consoled by the fact that Mrs Avwomakpa, a servant of God, lived a worthy and exemplary life.

“She was known to have impacted so many lives, especially in the church while she lived.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I condole with you, our father in the Lord, on the passing of your beloved wife, Victoria.

“It is, indeed, a painful loss, but I urge you, the church and the entire family, to take solace in the fact that hers was a life of notable accomplishments and indelible footprints.

“It is our prayer that God will grant you and the family the fortitude to bear the great loss,” Okowa said.

Archbishop Avwomakpa is the General Overseer of Christ Missionaries Crusaders Church, Warri.