Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, have eulogised former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi (rtd), for his role in stabilising the state during a critical phase of its history.
Jonathan and Diri gave the commendation at the weekend during the funeral of Obi’s father, Pa Sir Benedict Apie Obi, held at Okubuchi-Irruan in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Jonathan, who described the late centenarian’s life as worthy of celebration, praised Col. Obi for his discipline, calmness and friendly disposition, noting that he sustained his relationship with Bayelsa and its people after leaving office in 1999.
He 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.”
Jonathan, who prayed for longevity and good health for the bereaved family, said Pa Benedict Obi died at the age of 100.
Governor Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, said Obi occupies 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.
Diri commended Obi for maintaining ties with Bayelsa after leaving office, describing the Obi family as one with which the state shares a historic bond.
He added that Pa Obi’s 100 years provided another reason to celebrate the values that produced a son who served the state at a critical moment.
He said: “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.”
The governor, who conveyed the condolences of the government and people of Bayelsa State, expressed hope that the legacy of the deceased would endure through his children.
Also speaking, 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, eulogised the late Pa Benedict Obi for his contributions to his community and the nation.
Responding on behalf of the family, Lt. Col. Paul Obi (rtd) thanked the Bayelsa State Government, Dr. Jonathan and other members of the delegation for identifying with the family, noting that the presence of several former officials who served under his administration reflected his enduring relationship with the state.
The former military administrator said he regards himself as a citizen of Bayelsa despite being from Cross River State by birth.
Dignitaries who accompanied Dr. Akpe to the funeral included former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd); Leader of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou-Obolo; Chief Whip, Hon. Michael Ogbara; paramount ruler of Oloibiri Clan, King Amalate Turner; his Atissa counterpart, King Victor Awala; and former Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Lady Grace Fiepere, among others.
