Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has described the Nigeria’s former number two citizen, Admiral Okon Ebitu-Ukiwe, as authentic elder statesman and one of the Abia’s most successful sons whose record of military service and leadership contributions remain a source of pride to every Abian.
This was stated by the Governor, in a goodwill message sent to the ex-military Governor, Ebitu-Ukiwe, on the occasion of celebration of his 81st Birthday, on Tuesday Oct. 26th, and made available to newsmen, by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, in Umuahia.
According to Governor Ikpeazu, “Ukiwe remains a human encyclopedia of leadership experience having served as a Member of the defunct Supreme Military Council on two different occasions between 1975 and 1977, and 1983 and 1985, Military Governor of Niger State between 1977 and 1978, Military Governor of Lagos State between 1978 and 1979, Flag Officer Western Naval Command between 1983 and 1985, and then as Chief Of General Staff, which was the equivalent of a Military Vice President between 1985 and 1986”.
He thanked God for sustaining the life of Admiral Ukiwe and further appreciated the latter’s sustained elderly interventions in the affairs of Abia state.
The State Chief Executive, however, on behalf of family, Government and People of Abia wished the Ochiagha Ochimba of Abiriba, Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe, a happy 81st birthday and prayed the Almighty God to grant him many more years of service and keep him in good health.
