Political activist and member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi state, Usman Okai Austin on Sunday stated his friendly relationship with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, despite his myriads of condemnation of the administration in the state.
Austin stated this on Facebook when he shared pictures he took with the Governor at the final burial rites of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi (retd.), who died on Sunday at the age of 75.
The activist in his caption, said “And I Told The Governor I Am Your Friend From The Other Side: I am the one to tell the government the truth where non can …. Your friend should be able to tell you the truth. At the National Mosque today, I attended the final burial rites for the late Chief of Defense, 4-Star Army General, Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi. The Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, accompanied by the Kogi State Auditor General, Yakubu Yusuf Okala, and his Chief of Staff, also paid their respects.
“The Governor and I engaged in a conversation, and I commend him for taking the time to attend the ceremony. He humbly expressed his gratitude for my presence, and I reciprocated the sentiment. The Governor took the time to greet everyone in attendance, demonstrating his commitment to showing respect and solidarity during this solemn occasion.”
Meanwhile, Governor Ododo had in a statement condoled the family of the former Chief of Defence Staff, describing the late Ogohi as an illustrious son of Kogi State and one of Nigeria’s finest military officers who contributed immensely to keep Nigeria united in the face of national challenges.
“Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi was an excellent military officer and a statesman who was committed to the unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Nigeria until his last days on earth.
“His illustrious military career saw him made enormous sacrifices as an officer to keep Nigeria as one indivisible entity and he has remained a committed elder statesman in his retirement by making invaluable contributions to the development of Kogi State and has been a huge source of inspiration to many in the country and beyond.
“Nigeria and the government and people of Kogi State have lost a fine and experienced military officer and rare statesman,” Ododo said.
The governor, who praised the sacrifices and impact of the former Chief of Defence Staff, noted that Kogi State has lost one of her frontline statesmen who meant so well for the people of the state, adding that he will miss the wise counsel of the late Admiral Ogohi in his consultations with critical stakeholders on the policies and programmes of his administration.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the former Chief of Defence Staff and urged his family to be consoled by his outstanding records and contributions as a military officer and a statesman.
The late Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi was the first naval officer to become Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and served from 1999 to 2003 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He was born in November 1948 and died in the early hours of Sunday, 30th June 2024 and has been laid to rest at his home town in OKura Olafia, Dekina local government area of Kogi state.
