President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Chief Felix Ibru, the the first civilian governor of Delta State, who died yesterday loved a fulfilled life, even as he takes off to Malabo tomorrow to talk on security matters along the Gulf of Guinea.
A separate statements by special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina quoted the President as expressing shock and sadness over the death of Chief Felix Ibru.
“President Buhari urges all who mourn Chief Ibru to take solace in the awareness of his very fulfilled life of great accomplishments and give thanks to God Almighty for the indelible legacies which the late governor has left behind for his heirs and successors to build on.”
He remembered late Ibru as a leader of many communities, including the Urhobo Progressive Union as its President-General for many years.
The President said that he joined Ibru family, the people of Delta State and Chief Ibru’s friends and associates across Nigeria to mourn “the late governor and distinguished senator who made remarkable contributions to the progress and development of Nigeria during his long career as an illustrious architect, businessman, politician, community leader and philanthropist.”
He prayed tto God to receive Chief Ibru’s soul and grant him eternal rest.
This is even as President Buhari is scheduled to engage in talks with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea on further measures to protect the people and resources of the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea.
The visit to Malabo, by President Buhari is essentially the continuation of the efforts of the Nigerian government to achieve greater security of lives, resources and investments in all parts of Nigeria and its sub-region.
The conclusion and signing of an agreement by Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea for the establishment of a combined maritime policing and security patrol committee on Tuesday is expected to be the major outcome of President Buhari’s talks with his host.
President Buhari and President Mbasogo are also expected to discuss and agree on other collaborative measures to combat crimes such as piracy, crude oil theft, attacks on oil rigs, arms smuggling and human trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea.
Both leaders will also confer on the rescheduling of the joint summit of the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of Central African States on additional cooperative measures to curb terrorism and violent extremism in West and Central Africa.
The summit was to have been hosted by Equatorial Guinea last year but was postponed because of Nigeria’s general elections.
In accordance with the main focus and agenda of the trip, President Buhari will be accompanied by the Minister of Defence, retired Brigadier General Mansur Dan-Ali, the National Security Adviser, retired Major General Babagana Monguno and other senior security officials.
He is scheduled to return to Abuja on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, President Buhari has sent a congratulatory message to the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and General Superintendent of the Gospel Light International Ministries, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, on the occasion of his 70th
birthday anniversary coming up tomorrow, March 14.
Buhari acknowledged the vision, charisma and strength of character which have seen Dr. Omobude dutifully fulfilling his pastoral calling over the years, as demonstrated in his love for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
The President also commended his invaluable contribution to nation building and development through his teachings and exemplary leadership, which continue to inspire many of his followers and admirers to work hard and improve their communities.
Buhari used the opportunity of the celebration of this important milestone in Dr. Omobude’s extraordinary achievements to remind religious leaders and all those in positions of public trust of their shared responsibility in the fight against corruption and other ills confronting the society.
The President prayed that Omobude will enjoy more years of health and fulfillment in his service to God and humanity. [myad]
