A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kogi State, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, has commiserated with the family of late General Emmanuel Abisoye, the people of Ogoriland, Kogites and Nigerians in general over the demise of the civil war veteran.
Abatemi-Usman, the Senator of Kogi Central Senatorial District in the seventh Senate, in a statement, described the late General as a great man of courage and wisdom who contributed in no small measure to the sustenance of the peace, unity and oneness of Nigeria, emphasizing that he deserved to be given a state burial.
He noted that the deceased distinguished himself in his chosen career as a military officer, adding that he would be remembered for his steadfastness and dedication to the service of his fatherland and concern for humanity.
The ex-lawmaker recalled how the late Abisoye brought his wealth of experience to bear when he chaired the Stakeholders Roundtable on Sustainable Socio-Political Development of Kogi Central Senatorial District, convened by the Senator in June 2012, as part of efforts to bring lasting peace to Ebiraland with great emphasis on the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
According to Abatemi-Usman, during the said programme, he saw in Abisoye a man who was sincerely concerned about the plight of the people of his Senatorial district, particularly concerning insecurity and he was determined and willing to contribute his quota to help improve the situation.
The former parliamentarian also noted that Abisoye was a willing participant when as Kogi Central Senator, he led a high-powered delegation from the district to the Government House in Lokoja, to discuss solutions to the security challenges in Ebiraland with then Governor Idris Wada.
“General Emmanuel Abisoye was a man I held in high respect. His desire for a united Nigeria was seen in the important role he played during the Civil War and the reconciliation process that followed thereafter. He was a courageous officer and gentleman who put in all his best to prevent the disintegration of Nigeria as a nation. To my mind, with the role he played in keeping this country together, he should be granted a State burial,” stressed Abatemi-Usman.
He added: “In my direct encounters with him during my tenure as the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, he came across to me as a father who cared and felt genuine concern for his people. We will deeply miss him. However, we are consoled by the fact he lived a very fulfilled life that is worthy of emulation.”
While praying for the peaceful repose of Abisoye’s soul, the Senator asked God to grant the immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Abisoye, the Ogbajiri of Ogoriland died on March 17, 2017 at the age of 81. He was commissioned into the Queen’s own Nigerian regiment in March 1961. He was once the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Infantry Brigade. He equally served as the Federal Commissioner of Health and was a member of the Supreme Military Council. The late General voluntarily retired from the Nigerian Army in October 1979.
He is the pioneer President, Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association Of Nigeria; Pioneer Chairman, Kogi State Foundation and Pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Abuja. Also, he was at different times the President General, Keffi Old Boys Association.
He was among the eminent Nigerians conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2011 by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in recognition of his invaluable contributions to nation building.
Photo Credit: Punch
