Godwin Abbe

Godwin Osagie Abbe (10 January 1949 – 21 December 2024) was a Nigerian Army Major General who served as minister of defence from 2009 to 2010. He also served as minister of interior from 2007 to 2009.

Military career Godwin Abbe joined the military in 1967 as a private, was commissioned second lieutenant in July 1968, and was promoted colonel in 1986. He served during the Nigerian Civil War. He earned a postgraduate diploma in International Relations from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

He was also a graduate of the United States Army Infantry School Fort Benning, Georgia, Ghana Armed Forces Staff College and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic studies, Kuru.

He was military governor of Akwa Ibom State 1988–1990) and Rivers State (1990–1991).

Abbe then became general officer commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army; Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Commander, National War College. He retired in 1999 with the rank of major general.

Politician After leaving the army, Godwin Abbe joined People's Democratic Party in 1999, and became chairman of the party in Edo State.

As minister of the interior, Godwin Abbe was chairman of a committee that recommended an amnesty programme for gunmen in the Niger Delta, an important step towards improving output of oil and gas.

Soon after, he was appointed minister of defence, a key role in implementing the amnesty.

In October 2009, speaking of Niger Delta militants who had accepted the government amnesty, Abbe gave assurances they would be rehabilitated, re-integrated and helped in every way possible to make them self-sustaining in life.

Death Abbe died on 21 December 2024, at the age of 75.