Augustus Aikhomu

Augustus Akhabue Aikhomu (20 October 1939 – 17 August 2011) was an Admiral in the Nigerian Navy, who served as the de facto Vice President of Nigeria during the Ibrahim Babangida led military junta from 1986 to 1993. He hailed from Irrua, Edo State in southern Nigeria. He died on 17 August 2011, while his former boss (General Babangida) marked his 70th birthday celebration.Some of the things Admiral Aikhomu will be remembered for were that he was a highly detribalised Nigerian who displayed professionalism and loyalty while serving as chief of Naval Staff, Chief of General Staff and later in the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida as Vice President. Aikhomu in his later years was a key player in the politics of Nigeria. He was at a time the Chairman of the board of Trustees of ANPP, an opposition party in the country. As a nation builder, Aikhomu in the various tributes by his associates was described as a national hero, a dependable ally, an uncommon statesman, a great naval officer and a respected mentor to most of his subordinate officers during the Babangida Administration. Aikhomu left his footprints in his native town Irrua where he bequeated so many development projects to his name especially the Irrua Specialist Hospital, the referral Hospital for Lassa fever in the country. Aikhomu is survived by Mrs Rebecca Aikhomu, his wife and six children.

References

• Those Who May Replace Obasanjo