Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, have paid tribute to the former military administrator of Bayelsa State, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Edor Obi, at the burial of his father, Pa Sir Benedict Apie Obi. The ceremony was held at Okubuchi-Irruan in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State. Jonathan acknowledged Obi's discipline, calmness, and friendly disposition, which he believed helped him manage the tense situation in Bayelsa during his administration.
Jonathan commended Obi for maintaining his relationship with Bayelsa and its people after leaving office in 1999. He noted that Obi's calm disposition and peaceful nature enabled him to conduct elections peacefully and hand over power to Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. The former president described Obi as a unique individual with a friendly and calm demeanor, which he believed was inherited from his father.
Governor Diri, represented by the deputy governor, Dr Peter Akpe, said Obi occupied an enduring place in Bayelsa's history, having served as military administrator between July 1998 and May 1999. Diri commended Obi for maintaining his ties with Bayelsa after leaving office and described the Obi family as one with which the state shared a historic bond.
The governor also noted that the late Pa Obi's 100 years of life provided another reason to celebrate the values that produced a son who served the state at a critical moment in its history. He expressed hope that the legacy of the deceased will continue through his children and the values he transmitted to succeeding generations.
Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony, including Governor Bassey of Cross River, represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Elvert Ayambem, and the deputy governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, eulogised the deceased for his contributions to his community and the nation.
Paul Obi, the former military administrator, thanked the Bayelsa government, Dr Jonathan, and other members of the delegation for identifying with his family. He noted that the presence of several former officials who served under his administration reflected his enduring relationship with the state.
Obi also stated that he regarded himself as a citizen of Bayelsa, despite being from Cross River by birth. The ceremony was a testament to the impact that Obi and his family had on the state and its people.
Key points
- Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Douye Diri praised Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Edor Obi for his role in guiding Bayelsa through a critical period.
- Obi served as military administrator of Bayelsa State from July 1998 to May 1999 and handed over power to Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
- The late Pa Obi lived for 100 years and left a legacy that will continue through his children and the values he transmitted to succeeding generations.
