SIMON EBEGBULEM, GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE &  LAIDE AKIBOADE
The remains of the former Vice-President, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, was laid to rest in his home town Idumebo Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Council of Edo state, with the Vice-President of the Federation, Arch. Namadi Sambo, lamenting that the nation had lost a “fine military officer”.

The Vice-President who led the Federal Government delegation, arrived the Benin Airport  at about 10:30am and flew to Irrua via and Air force helicopter. Others in the high powered delegation  include the President of the senate, Senator David Mark, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff and the Chief of Army Staff. They were received at the Airport by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Other dignitaries who witnessed the burial of the former Vice-President, include former President, Gen.Ibrahim Babangida, first civilian Governor of Edo state, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Chief Bode George, Senator Rowland Owie, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Chief Don Etiebet, Catholic Archbishop of Benin Diocese, Bishop Augustine  Akubueze, Anglican  Bishop of Akoko- Edo Diocese, Rt Rev Jolly Oyekpen  and several others.

Vice-President Sambo who pointed out  that the late Vice-President will  be missed, not  only by the people of Edo state but the entire nation due to his immense  contribution to the growth of the nation further described him as a “conscious politician” who did his best to serve Nigeria.

“He was a fine officer, responsible, a patriot, somebody that fought for the unity and peace of this country with all his life to the development and growth of Nigeria and we pray that almighty Allah will continue to  grant him peace and that the family he left behind will continue to guide them.

“I am deeply grieved and in sorrow that my first visit to Irrua was for the funeral of Aikhomu. Admiral Aikhomu was a great man, he distinguished himself as an outstanding Nigerian, as a soldier and a patriot. He expressed steadfastness in the performance of any duty he was given no matter how tedious. It is no wonder that whatever duty he was given, he did very well.

“ He believed in Nigeria and was ready to serve in any capacity as far as it is for the development of Nigeria. He believed in the unity of Nigeria, he served at various positions. By his death, Nigeria has lost a fine soldier and a conscious politician.”

In his remarks, Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who recalled his experiences with the late Vice-President while he was Deputy President of the senate,  urged the federal government to revert the name of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital to its original name which was named after the mother of Aikhomu. “We should not mourn; he has lived and contributed to the development of Nigeria, our state and community.”

“ I have not come to mourn; I have come to celebrate the life of a man that has touched the country. We can count in our finger tips the number of Nigerians who have risen to this level. He was a good husband and had a family that will continue to be of reference to every Nigerian family.

He got to where he was because of hard work” he said. They spoke at the burial church service, held at St. David Anglican Church, Idumebo,Irrua. In his sermon, Archbishop John Imaekhai called for good governance and compassion for the less privilege, noting that good governance is the key to the reduction of crime in the society.

According to him “I urge all those who have political and economic power to as a matter of obligation use such for the common good and rid our society of social vices”. He further urged Nigerians to rededicate their lives to God since its only the Almighty God that has the power over life and death.