By Tommy Anaduaka

WARRI—FORMER Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and a gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of  People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has condoled the Aziza family and the Urhobo Progressive Union, UPU over the death of Gen. Patrick Aziza.

Orubebe, who visited to the Aziza family and UPU in Adagbrasa, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, accompanied by the members of the Delta Peoples Forum, DPF, a political group working for the actualisation of his political aspiration in 2015, said that the late Aziza, was a great leader, who fought for the unity of Nigeria as a soldier and tried to unify his people for their collective aspirations after retiring from the army.

Meanwhile, Delta State chapter of Joint Governance Vanguard, JGV, a  group in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term in office has expressed shock and disbelief over the death Aziza.
JGV in a statement by its state coordinator, Ogbueshi Philip Oduah, described the late Aziza as a fine military officer, who played a leadership role as the President-General UPU in the Urhobo nation.

Continuing, Orubebe, said that he visited the late UPU President General in his hospital bed in London and from their discussion, he was certain that Aziza meant well for Nigeria, Delta State and the Urhobo nation.
Orubebe noted that when the history of Nigeria will be written, the name of General Aziza will surely be remembered, adding that he “lived a fulfilled life, fought a good fight, and today, he is resting in the bosom of the Lord.”

He advised the immediate family, the UPU and the Urhobo nation to rely solely on God at this moment of trial.
Elder Orubebe appealed to UPU and Aziza family to notify him and the DPF the date for the burial, so that he and his team can participate fully in giving “our father and leader, a befitting funeral.”

Earlier in a condolence message, Director General of DPF, Chief Terry Noah, expressed shock and sadness over the death of Aziza.
Noah said that Elder Orubebe and the entire members the DPF convey their heart felt condolence and sympathy to the Aziza’s family the leadership of UPU and the entire Urhobo nation.