Mike Akhigbe, ex-Vice President of Nigeria, is dead.

Mike Okhai Akhigbe is a retired Vice Admiral of the Nigerian Navy. He served as the Vice President of Nigeria during the General Abdusalam Abubakar led military government from 1998 till the termination of military government in Nigeria, in 1999. Born : September 29, 1946  Died: October 28, 2013, 

The burial was witnessed by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark and others.

The remains of Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe, a former Chief of General Staff (CGS) were laid to rest on Saturday in Fugar, Etsako Local Government Area of Edo.

Speaking at the funeral mass, President Goodluck Jonathan described Mr. Akhigbe as an exemplary officer and a gentleman, and a consummate administrator who displayed outstanding leadership.

Mr. Jonathan, represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, said he hoped that Mr. Akhigbe’s sterling qualities would inspire Nigerians to be more committed to providing greater service to the country.

He prayed that God would grant Mr. Akhigbe’s wife and family the strength to cope with the loss.

Earlier in a homily, Innocent Okifoh, a reverend father, said that a Christian burial was for spiritual support to the soul of the dead and to honour the living.

“Death is not the end of life. It only changes the texture of life.

“Akhigbe has been in Government and every mandate to govern is from God. When you are in Government, you should ask yourself what you would be remembered for and what God would reward you for,” he said.

The Senate President, David Mark, described Mr. Akhigbe as a very humble man who thought more of Nigeria.

He recalled that Mr. Akhigbe was the rallying point for all the members of the 3rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

He urged his children to emulate their father.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo expressed gratitude to God for what he used Mr. Akhigbe to do for the country, the state and for himself.

“There are many things Nigerians can learn from Akhigbe.

“One lesson from the Admiral is that it is not how long you stay in power that will define what you do,” he said.

He commended former military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Mr. Akhigbe for their honesty of purpose and courage in handing over power to civilians within a short time in 1999.

Mr. Abubakar and his wife, Fati Abubakar, witnessed the burial.

Other dignitaries present included past state military administrators, past and present members of the National Assembly, military top brass, and the PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Tony Anenih.

Also present was Governor Segun Mimiko of Ondo State as well as representatives of the governors of Lagos and Ekiti States.

(NAN)