By CHARLES IWUOHA

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and his Ebonyi State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, have been thrown into mourning following the passing of former Military Administrator of their states, Commander Walter Feghabo (Rtd).

Oborevwori in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Faghabo's death as a great loss not only to the Ijaw Nation but to the entire country. He commiserated with the government and people of Bayelsa State, the Nembe Kingdom, and the immediate family of the late Feghabo, noting that Nigeria has lost a disciplined officer, patriotic leader, and true son of the Niger Delta.

Commander Feghabo served as the first Military Administrator of Ebonyi State and later as the Military Administrator of Delta State, where he laid strong governance foundations and initiated key infrastructural and agricultural development efforts that contributed to the states’ early progress.

"Commander Feghabo brought to public service the same discipline, focus, and integrity that distinguished him in his military career.

"As Military Administrator of Delta State, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to inclusive leadership, peace, and sustainable development.

His contributions remain a part of the state's enduring legacy," the Governor said.

Governor Oborevwori further extolled the deceased's role in traditional leadership, particularly as Alternate Chairman of the Nembe Chiefs Council, where he continued to serve with dignity and wisdom under the leadership of His Majesty, King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom.

He urged the family to take solace in the remarkable life of service that the late Feghabo lived, assuring that Delta State will remember him with respect and gratitude.

Oborevwori, said: "On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Nembe Kingdom, the Ijaw Nation, and the government of Bayelsa State. May his soul rest in perfect peace."

Nwifuru, on his part, described the passing of the pioneer Military Administrator of the State, retired Navy Captain Walter Feghabo, as colossal loss to the nation.

According to the Governor, retired Navy Captain Feghabo will forever be remembered as a man of vision, discipline, and uncommon patriotism who laid a solid socio-economic and political foundation for Ebonyi state at its infancy.

"When Ebonyi State was created in 1996, Navy Captain Feghabo took up the historic responsibility of giving direction, hope, and administrative structure to a fledgling state emerging from two parent states.

"With courage, foresight, hindsight and selflessness, he nurtured the dreams of our founding fathers and set the tone for the development trajectory we are building upon today.

"His commitment to public service, his humility in leadership, and his passion for national unity stand as enduring legacies that will continue to inspire generations of Ebonyians including me."

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the governor's Chief press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.

The Governor noted that the story of the state’s progress cannot be told without acknowledging the pioneering sacrifices and statesmanship of late Navy Captain Feghabo.

"On behalf of the Government and people of Ebonyi State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Government and people of Bayelsa State, and the Nigerian Navy for the loss of this gallant officer, visionary leader, nation builder and of course, one of our grandfathers."