Godwin Osagie Abbe (born 10 January 1949) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria is a retired[1] Nigerian Army Major General and former Defence Minister of Nigeria from 2009 to 2010. He served as the Nigerian Minister of Interior from 2007 to 2009.[2]
Godwin Osagie Abbe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Governor of Akwa Ibom State | |
| In office 31 July 1988 – 5 September 1990 | |
| Preceded by | Tunde Ogbeha |
| Succeeded by | Idongesit Nkanga |
 Military Governor of Rivers State | |
| In office August 1990 – January 1992 | |
| Preceded by | Ernest Olawunmi Adelaye |
| Succeeded by | Rufus Ada George |
| Nigerian Minister of Interior | |
| In office 26 July 2007 – 14 July 2009 | |
| Preceded by | Oluyemi Adeniji |
| Succeeded by | Shettima Mustapha |
| Defence Minister of Nigeria | |
| In office 14 July 2009 – 17 March 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Shettima Mustapha |
| Succeeded by | Adetokunbo Kayode |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 January 1949 Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Nigeria |
| Branch/service |  Nigerian Army |
| Years of service | 1967–1999 |
| Rank |  Major General |
Military career
editGodwin Abbe joined the military in 1967 as a private, was commissioned second lieutenant in July 1968, and was promoted colonel in 1986. He served during the Nigerian Civil War. He earned a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
He is also a graduate of the United States Army Infantry School Fort Benning, Georgia, Ghana Armed Forces Staff College and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic studies, Kuru.[3]
He was military governor of Akwa Ibom State 1988–1990) and Rivers State (1990–1991).[4]
He then became general officer commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army; Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Commander, National War College. He retired in 1999 with the rank of major general.[5]
Politician
editAfter leaving the army, Godwin Abbe joined People's Democratic Party in 1999, and became chairman of the party in Edo State.[5]
Minister of Interior
editPresident Umaru Yar'Adua appointed Godwin Abbe as the Nigerian Minister of Interior on 26 July 2007. At a meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government in Kampala, Uganda in November 2007, Abbe met British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and asked for assistance in restructuring the police force, which was suffering from low morale due to poor welfare, inadequate training and lack of vital work tools.[6]
As minister of the interior, Godwin Abbe was chairman of a committee that recommended an amnesty programme for gunmen in the Niger Delta, an important step towards improving output of oil and gas.[7]
Soon after, he was appointed Minister of Defense, a key role in implementing the amnesty.[2]
Minister of Defense
editIn September 2009, Abbe said that the Amnesty would not prevent security operatives from going after illegal oil bunkerers, who he said would be treated as enemies of the state.[8]
In October 2009, speak of Niger Delta militants who had accepted the government amnesty, Abbe gave assurances they would be rehabilitated, re-integrated and helped in every way possible to make them self-sustaining in life.[9]
References
edit- ^ Aliu, Alemma-Ozioruva (28 June 2016). "Abbe states obstacle to true federalism". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
- ^ a b Idonor, Daniel (14 July 2009). "Cabinet Shake-up : Yar'Adua moves Godwin Abbe to Defence Ministry". Vanguard. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
- ^ Momoh, Mohammed (14 September 2007). "Brief on Ministers". African Choice News USA. Archived from the original on 3 September 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
- ^ "Salamatu Suleiman, Godwin Abbe: Where are they now?". Blueprint. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
- ^ a b "We Are Focusing On Modernisation Of The Armed Forces – Abbe". Leadership. 5 November 2009. Retrieved 7 December 2009.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Britain to help restructure police force". Panafrican News Agency (PANA). 27 November 2007. Archived from the original on 18 December 2009. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
- ^ "Nigeria to unveil amnesty programme for militants". Reuters. 4 June 2009. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
- ^ Omonobi, Kingsley (21 September 2009). "FG begins manhunt for sponsors of illegal oil bunkering". Vanguard. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
- ^ Amaize, Emma; Onoyume, Jimitota (5 October 2009). "Post-amnesty: How Govt'll engage ex-militants – Abbe". Vanguard. Retrieved 7 December 2009.