BLACK SATURDAY IN DELTA AS STATE LOSES TWO PROMINENT SONS

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has commiserated with the Obada family of Agbarho on the passing of retired Major.-General John Obada, on Saturday night at 81.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the Governor also 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 the news of Obada’s death was devastating, especially as the nation was in dire need of the wise counsel of retired top military personnel, including Obada, to solve the avalanche of security challenges currently facing the country.

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

The Governor prayed 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.

Similarly, Governor Okowa has mourned the exit of a gentleman, renowned politician and former Commissioner, Chief Tom Amioku, after a protracted illness, four days to his 75th birthday.

Okowa said the demise of Amioku was a great loss to the state and the PDP family, especially at this critical period, and commiserated with the people of Egborode community, Okpe Local Government Area and Urhobo nation over the great loss.

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

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