SAN FRANCISCO, August 18, (THEWILL) – President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the Urhobos of Delta State on the death at the weekend of the President-General of the Urhobo Progressive Union, Major-General Patrick Aziza (rtd).
The President also extended condolences to the Aziza family, the government and entire people of Delta State as well as the late General’s friends, associates and former military colleagues.
In a statement by Reuben Abati, the President’s spokesman, he joined them in mourning the passage of the former Minister and one-time military governor of Kebbi State who selflessly dedicated himself to the service of his people and community after retiring from a distinguished career in the nation’s armed forces.
“As they grieve over his death, President Jonathan urges members of the Aziza family, the Urhobo Progressive Union, his friends and former colleagues in the Nigerian Army to accept the will of God Almighty and be comforted by the knowledge that General Aziza served his people and country to the best of his God-given abilities while he lived.
“The President prays that God Almighty will give them solace and grant the late General’s soul eternal rest,” the statement added.
Aziza: An Uncommon Rallying Point – Ibori.
Chief James Onanefe Ibori has described Aziza as a thorough professional, a passionate statesman and uncommon rallying point.
In a public statement signed by his Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, the former Governor of Delta state said that the late Gen Aziza who died in the early hours of Saturday in Abuja, served his country most creditably in the Nigerian Army, where he was a stablising factor and a role model in what it takes to be a soldier, a gentleman and statesman.
Ibori said that on retiring from the military, Aziza continued to be a mentor to those coming behind him, and also devoted a lot of energy into the betterment of the Urhobo nation and his beloved country, Nigeria.
As President-General of the Urhobo Progressive Union, a post in which he toiled until his death, Ibori said that Aziza was a veritable beacon of hope and an uncommon guiding light. He said that what makes Aziza’s death most painful is that the man was a unifying factor that was bent on steering the Urhobo towards one direction as a united and progressive people seeking for the common good of all Urhobo people and their neigbhours, Delta state and the entire nation.
Ibori said that it would be difficult to find anyone that would fill the large shoes Aziza has left behind. He sent his condolences to Aziza’s immediate family, praying the Almighty God to grant the members the grace to bear this irreparable loss. He also sympathized with the Urhobo people, the UPU, and the Governor of Delta state for this great loss. He prayed that those he left behind should emulate his selfless sense of service, fatherly leadership and love for the country which gave a remarkable sense of purpose to his life. He will forever live in our memories, Ibori said.
IYC Mourn Aziza, Says He Was a Stabilizing Factor in Niger Delta
Foremost Ijaw youth organisation, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide, has joined the Urhobos in mourning the death of Aziza.
IYC said in a statement signed by its spokesman, Eric Omare, that General Aziza was a stabilising factor in the Niger-Delta.
The group recalled the role Aziza played over the perceived marginalization of the Urhobos under the present administration saying he discretely met with President Jonathan on the matter.
“This constructive engagement resulted in the appointment of an Urhobo son as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Niger-Delta Affairs.
“This singular act helped in building cohesion in the Niger-Delta between the Ijaw and Urhobo Ethnic Nationalities.
“The IYC calls on other leaders to imbibe and follow the leadership style of the departed Urhobo leader in building bridges of unity in the Niger-Delta,” the group said.
