By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri have paid tribute to the former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi (retd.), describing his contribution to the young state as significant during a delicate period in its history.
The tributes came at the weekend during the funeral of Obi’s father, Pa Sir Benedict Apie Obi, who died at the age of 100.
The funeral was held at Okubuchi-Irruan in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Jonathan, who attended the ceremony, praised the former military administrator for his discipline, calmness and friendly disposition, noting that those qualities helped him manage the affairs of Bayelsa during a period of tension in the Niger Delta.
According to Jonathan, Obi successfully guided the state through the transition period and peacefully handed over power to Bayelsa’s first elected governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, in May 1999.
“One unique attribute that Colonel Obi has, he must have gotten it from the father: discipline, calmness, friendliness, very friendly person,” Jonathan said.
“With that kind of calm disposition, peaceful nature, and friendly disposition, he was able to manage the very tense situation in the state, conducted the election peacefully and managed us until he handed over to Chief Alamieyeseigha.”
Jonathan also commended Obi for maintaining his relationship with Bayelsa and its people decades after leaving office.
He described the funeral as a celebration of the life and legacy of Pa Benedict Obi and prayed for longevity and good health for members of the bereaved family.
Governor Diri, who was represented at the ceremony by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, also described the Obi family as one with which Bayelsa shares a historic bond.
Diri recalled that Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi served as Military Administrator of Bayelsa from July 1998 to May 1999, during which he oversaw the state at a particularly sensitive period before handing over to the state’s first elected governor on May 29, 1999.
“Bayelsa State does not come to Okubuchi Irruan as a stranger. We come as a people with a historic bond with this family,” Diri said.
“Papa’s distinguished son, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi, served Bayelsa State as Military Administrator at a particularly delicate period in the history of our dear state and our nation.”
The governor noted that although Obi’s tenure was brief, he was entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining stability in a young state amid considerable tension across the Niger Delta.
Diri also described the late Pa Benedict Obi’s 100-year lifespan as a rare gift, saying his life was marked by service, industry, leadership and faith.
“To live for one hundred years is a rare gift from God. To fill those years with service, industry, leadership and faith is rarer still,” he said.
According to the governor, Pa Benedict Obi served as a soldier during a difficult period in Nigeria’s history before returning to the land, where he contributed to his community by creating opportunities and livelihoods.
Diri extended the condolences of the Bayelsa State Government and its people to the Obi family, expressing hope that the values of the deceased would continue through his children and succeeding generations.
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, also paid tribute to the deceased.
The Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, joined other dignitaries in celebrating Pa Benedict Obi’s contributions to his community and the nation.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi (retd.) thanked the Bayelsa State Government, former President Jonathan and other dignitaries for identifying with the family during the funeral.
He said the presence of several former officials who served under his administration was a reflection of the enduring relationship he had maintained with Bayelsa since leaving office.
Obi further said that although he was born in Cross River State, he considered himself a citizen of Bayelsa.
