Diri, Nwifuru, Oborevweri, CNS Abbas, Extol Late Feghabo’s Leadership Qualities At His Funeral
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, that of Ebonyi, Rt Hon Francis Nwifuru and their Delta State counterpart, Chief Sheriff Oborevweri, were among dignitaries that paid glowing tributes to former military administrator of Ebonyi and Delta States, Late Chief Walter Feghabo-Amain at the weekend.
In their separate remarks at a well attended funeral service at the King Koko Square in Ogbolomabiri, Nembe, the Governors acknowledged the contributions of the retired Navy Captain towards nation-building, describing him as a true patriot and statesman.
Governor Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, noted that Chief Feghabo-Amain made Bayelsa proud by providing impactful leadership to the people of Ebonyi and Delta States as military administrator, leaving behind enviable legacies that are worthy of emulation.
He said after retirement from the military, Chief Feghabo also played active roles as Chairman of the state Project Monitoring Committee as well as Alternate Chairman of the Nembe Council of Chiefs.
Governor Diri, who described the deceased as a legend and a man of integrity, said his good works will continue to speak well of him and his family.
The Bayelsa Chief Executive expressed gratitude to the Ebonyi and Delta State Governments for identifying with the state, the Nembe Council of Chiefs and particularly the Feghabo family since the passing of the former Military Administrator.
His words: “Our departed father, brother and leader was an intellectual. He was a military officer per excellence and a legend, who left indelible marks in the world.
“And so, we are all here to bid him farewell. I know Nembe, the Government of Bayelsa and Nigeria will miss him. But to the Family, I want to reaffirm the promise the Governor made at the service of songs, that the Bayelsa State Government will continue to be with you.
“Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate the Ebonyi and Delta State Governments for your kind gesture and support to the Feghabo Family, and also for appreciating the good works of our departed leader in your states.
Also speaking, the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt Hon. Francis Nwifuru, described Navy Captain Feghabo “as a man of vision, discipline and uncommon patriotism who laid a solid foundation for the socio-economic and political development of Ebonyi at its infancy.”
Nwifuru, who was represented by his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, expressed condolences to the bereaved family, the Government and people of Bayelsa State and donated the sum of N50million as support to the Feghabo Family.
On his part, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, noted that though Navy Captain Feghabo’s tenure in Delta State as MILAD was brief, he contributed to the stability of the state and ensured a smooth handover to civilian administration.
In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who was equally represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.D. Ibrahim, pointed out that the Late Chief Feghabo-Amain, served the Nigerian Navy and the country meritoriously throughout his military career.
Chief Nimi Barigha-Amange and Chief Joseph Ilagha also delivered tributes on behalf of the Nembe Council of Chiefs and bereaved Amain, Kien, Alagoa and Koki families.
In his exhortation drawn from Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, Rev. Marcus Oweifa of the Christ Evangelical Mission, underscored the inevitability of death and urged everyone to genuinely serve God and humanity in preparation for eternity while alive.
Other dignitaries at the event included the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs Priscilla Otti, former Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Sam Egwu, former Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd), the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, and ex-military Administrator of Cross River State, Navy Capt Christopher Osondu.
In a related development, Governor Douye Diri, represented by his Deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, also attended the funeral ceremony in honour of Late Senator John Brambaifa, at his hometown Agbere in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state and encouraged the bereaved family to take solace in the legacies bequeathed by the deceased, whom he described as an illustrious son of Bayelsa.
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