… An Irreplaceable Statesman, Laments Uduaghan
SAN FRANCISCO, August 16, (THEWILL) – Major-General Patrick Aziza, the President General of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) died Saturday morning from an undisclosed form of cancer, THEWILL can report.
Aziza, a retired soldier, was chief of the military panel that convicted former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other top military wigs of complicity in a ‘coup de dat’ under the regime of now deceased military dictator, General Sani Abacha.
Aziza became a businessman and hotelier after his retirement from the military.
In his reaction to his demise, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has described him as an irreplaceable statesman.
Governor Uduaghan in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sunny Ogefere described his death as a big blow and irreparable loss to Nigeria, Delta State and the Urhobo nation.
Dr. Uduaghan noted that the loss itself was devastating but was worsened by the timing when the invaluable contribution and experience of the late general were needed at this critical period of Nigeria’s history.
“In General Patrick Aziza we have lost one of the finest military officers, administrators, peace builders, nationalists and more fundamentally a statesman of repute.
“My administration enjoyed unparalleled support and cooperation from General Aziza as President General of the UPU, who was always there to share his wealth of experience with me anytime I called on him,” he said.
The Governor also described the late General Aziza as an industrialist whose business interests, ranging from hospitality, oil and gas among others helped to create employment for a sizeable number of Deltans.
“We will miss General Aziza’s calm demeanour, wise counsels and stabilising role in the politics and governance of Delta State,” he added.
Governor Uduaghan expressed his deep condolences to his immediate family, the Urhobo nation and the people of the State on the loss of General Aziza.
