How Akhigbe Died In The US!

Details have emerged on how a former Chief of General Staff, Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe, died Monday in his Manhattan home, New York in the United States at the age of 68.

The late former military vice-president in the junta headed by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, between 1998 and 1999 died at 1.06 pm, Eastern Time, after he had earlier been discharged from a New York hospital where he had been receiving treatment for cancer.

Reacting to his death last night, Senate President David Mark expressed sorrow at the death of his former military colleague, saying he has lost a brother.

THISDAY had earlier in the day, based on initial reports from sources, which later turned out to be false, reported that the former chief of naval staff was dead.
But the family had refuted the publication, saying Akhigbe was alive and was stabilising.

It also refuted the report that the retired naval chief had died in a hospital in England.
It said Akhigbe, who had been on admission in a hospital in the United States, was stabilising.

However, later in the day, another family source confirmed according to THISDAY that Akhigbe finally gave up the ghost yesterday at 1.06 pm New York time after losing the battle against cancer.

It was learnt that his doctors had earlier discharged him, saying there was nothing more they could do for him as his organs had packed up.
Confirming his death, a member of the Akhigbe's family said: “The admiral died after a long battle with cancer.”

The Senate president, who retired from the military as a brigadier-general, in a swift reaction to the death of his former military colleague, expressed sadness at his passing away.

Mark, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media & Publicity, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, described Akhigbe's death as the loss of a brother, confidant, friend and comrade-at-arms.

Mark, who was overwhelmed with grief, recalled their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), stating that “Mike was fearless and very diligent in our course. He took these attributes to all the formations where he was privileged to have been posted either in his core military postings or political offices.

“He was one of the poster boys of our Course 3 and we were all very proud of him. His death is a huge personal loss to me, the members of Course 3, the Armed Forces, Edo State and the nation.

“But we cannot question God. He alone gives life and takes same when he so desires. We are bound by his decision to take our brother and friend at this time.”

The Senate president who is the chairman of Course 3 Alumni of the Nigerian Defence Academy, said: “We are however consoled that while Mike was with us, he lived his life in the service of God and mankind.” Adieu a fine gentle officer of the Nigerian army.