Jonathan, Diri, others eulogise former Bàyelsa Military Administrator Edor Obi at father's funeral

By Majesty Inegbagha 

Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, have praised the former Military Administrator of the state, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi (Retd.), for his role in guiding Bayelsa through a critical period of its history.

L-R Mrs Edor Obi, Obi, Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Dr Peter Akpe, Deputy Governor of  Bàyelsa State.

Dr. Jonathan and Governor Diri gave  the commendation over the weekend at the funeral of Obi’s father, Pa Sir Benedict Apie Obi, held at Okubuchi-Irruan in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The former President, who acknowledged Edor Obi's discipline, calmness and friendly disposition, commended him for maintaining his relationship with Bayelsa and its people after leaving office in 1999.

Jonathan described the funeral as a celebration of the life of Pa Benedict Obi, who died at the age of 100, and prayed for longevity and good health for members of the bereaved family.

Jonathan said, “One unique attribute that Colonel Obi has, he must have gotten it from the father: discipline, calmness, friendliness, very friendly person.

“With that kind of calm disposition, peaceful nature, and friendly disposition, he was able to manage the very tense situation in the state, conducted the election peacefully and managed us until he handed over to Chief Alamieyeseigha.”

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, Governor Diri said Obi occupied an enduring place in Bayelsa’s history, having served as Military Administrator between July 1998 and May 1999 and handed over power to the state’s first elected governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, on May 29, 1999.

Governor Diri also commended Obi for maintaining his ties with Bayelsa after leaving office, describing the Obi family as one with which the state shared a historic bond.

He said the late Pa Benedict 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.

The governor while extending the condolences of the Government and people of Bayelsa, expressed hope that the legacy of the deceased would continue through his children and the values he transmitted to succeeding generations.

His words: "Bayelsa State does not come to Okubuchi Irruan as a stranger. We come as a people with a historic bond with this family.

Papa’s distinguished son, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi, served Bayelsa State as Military Administrator at a particularly delicate period in the history of our dear state and our nation. 

"Although his tenure was relatively brief, he was entrusted with the weighty responsibility of maintaining stability in a young state at a time of considerable tension across the Niger Delta.

“To live for one hundred years is a rare gift from God. To fill those years with service, industry, leadership and faith is rarer still. Pa Sir Benedict Apie Obi answered the call of his country as a soldier during a difficult period in our national history. After his military service, he returned to the land and distinguished himself, creating opportunities and livelihoods for many."

Also speaking, the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem and the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, all eulogized the late Pa Benedict Obi for his contributions to his community and the nation. 

Speaking on behalf of the family, Lt Col. Paul Obi (Retd), thanked the Bayelsa Government, Dr. Jonathan and other members of the delegation for identifying with his family, saying the presence of several former officials who served under his administration reflected his enduring relationship with the state.

The former military administrator said he regarded himself as a citizen of Bayelsa despite being from Cross River State by birth.

Dignitaries who accompanied Dr Peter Akpe to the funeral ceremony included the former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd), Leader of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Monday Bubou-Obolo, Chief Whip, Hon Michael Ogbara, the paramount ruler of Oloibiri Clan, King Amalate Turner, his Atissa counterpart, King Victor Awala, former Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Lady Grace Fiepere, among others.