A former military governor of old Bendel State, Vice Admiral Husaini Abdullahi (rtd), died Tuesday at 80 after a protracted illness. The deceased was buried at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.

One of his sons told Daily Trust that his late father enjoyed a peaceful retirement life.

He described him as a very private person who supported and encouraged his children to be good Nigerians.

Born oncMarch 3, 1939 in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the late Abdullahi was a lieutenant commander in charge of troop landings from NNS Lokoja during the capture of Bonny Island in July 1967 during the Nigerian Civil War. He was military governor of old Bendel State between 1976 and 1978 and member of the Supreme Military Council during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo. After retirement, he served as a national commissioner in the National Population Commission. He is survived by two wives, 23 children and 24 grandchildren. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, condoled the family. Other prominent people who were at the deceased’s residence for condolences yesterday included Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Nasarawa State deputy governor Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe. Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, in a statement he personally signed yesterday, mourned Abdullahi, saying he contributed immensely to the development of present-day Edo State (part of the old Bendel State) and Nigeria in general. “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former military governor of old Bendel State, Vice Admiral (rtd.) Husaini Abdullahi, who passed on to glory on Wednesday in Abuja. He was a gallant soldier and a businessman, who made huge impact in business after his retirement. “My sincere condolences go to his family and I pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this loss. I also condole with the Nigerian Navy and the Government of Nasarawa State on the loss of a noble patriot and son,” he said. (Daily Trust)

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