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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and policy analyst Dr Agbai Eke Agbai have called for more recognition of retired Commodore Ebitu Okoh Ukiwe’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy as the former Chief of General Staff marks his 86th birthday.
Otti urged the country to recognise Ukiwe’s role in the struggle to restore democracy after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, while Agbai asked political office holders to learn from his decision to quit the Ibrahim Babangida military administration over disagreements on government policy.
Ukiwe, who turned 86 on Monday, served as Chief of General Staff under Babangida from 1985 until his exit in 1986.
In a birthday message by his media adviser, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti described the retired naval officer as a statesman whose conduct in public office had earned him respect.
The governor recalled Ukiwe’s resignation from the country’s second-highest position under the military government, which he said should serve a lesson to politicians and public office holders.
Otti also recalled Ukiwe’s involvement in pro-democracy activities following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Moshood Abiola.
He called on the country to recognise Ukiwe’s contributions to the restoration of democracy and national peace.
The governor said the Abia State government would celebrate the former military officer’s birthday in recognition of his service to the country.
In a separate birthday message, Agbai described Ukiwe’s decision to quit the Babangida government as exemplary.
Agbai, a former aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, said Ukiwe’s record in public service should be emulated by politicians who treat the acquisition and retention of office as personal survival.
“Your life offers a compelling lesson to contemporary politicians who regard the acquisition and retention of public office as a do-or-die affair. You remind us that public office is a responsibility, not a possession; that power is transient, but character endures; and that a good name, earned through principled service, is worth far more than the privileges of office,” Agbai wrote.
Ukiwe was appointed Chief of General Staff in August 1985 after Babangida took power. He left the position in October 1986 following disagreements with the administration over Nigeria’s relationship with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and changes to the military government’s chain of command.
Before his appointment as Chief of General Staff, Ukiwe served as military governor of Niger State from 1977 and later governed Lagos State from 1978 to 1979.
His public service career also included membership of the Supreme Military Council under the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Following the annulment of the June 12 election, Ukiwe became involved in efforts to restore democratic rule and supported calls for the recognition of Abiola’s electoral mandate.
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