The first Military Governor of Kebbi State and former Minister of Communications, General Patrick Aziza is dead.
Aziza, 67, died on Saturday from complications arising from cancer.
He died in the wee hours of the day.
Aziza was the first military Governor of Kebbi State during the military regime of former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.
He hails from Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
In his reaction to the passage of Aziza, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, described him as an irreplaceable statesman.
Uduaghan, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sunny Ogefere, described the death of Aziza as a big blow and irreparable loss to Nigeria, Delta State and the Urhobo nation.
Uduaghan noted that the loss itself was devastating but was worsened by the timing when the invaluable contribution and experience of the late General were needed.
He said: “In General Patrick Aziza we have lost one of the finest military officers, administrators, peace builders, nationalists and more fundamentally a statesman of repute.
“My administration enjoyed unparalleled support and cooperation from General Aziza as President General of the UPU, who was always there to share his wealth of experience with me anytime I called on him.”
The governor also described the late General Aziza as an industrialist whose business interests, ranging from hospitality to oil and gas among others helped to create employment for a sizeable number of Deltans.
“We will miss General Aziza’s calm demeanour, wise counsels and stabilising role in the politics and governance of Delta State,” he added.
Governor Uduaghan expressed his deep condolences to his immediate family, the Urhobo nation and the people of the state on the loss of General Aziza.