The Pan Niger-Delta Development Forum (PANDEF) has mourned the death of General Paul Ufuoma Omu, describing him as a true nationalist who fought for the unity of Nigeria. In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PANDEF National Chairman, Amb Godknows Igali, extolled the role the late General played in bringing on board the Amnesty Presidential pardon granted to militants in the region.

Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini said Amb Igali commended the late nationalist for giving ample opportunity and encouragement to his wife, Senator Stella Omu, to serve Nigeria at the red chamber, the Senate, and contribute to the emancipation of the Niger Delta region. Obiuwevbi Ominimini further quoted Igali as recalling Senator Omu’s role in the Chief Victor Attah-led peace and reconciliation in the Rivers crisis.

The widow, Stella Omu, described her late husband as a true father not just in military governance but also at home. The senior son of the late General, Oghenekome Ufuoma Omu, who lives in the UK, narrated how the entire children spent time with their late patriarch in his last days on good memory. “Any help he couldn’t render to anybody was due to the fact that it couldn’t be possible,” he said, adding that the family is celebrating the late General’s life.

Late Gen Paul Omu joined the Nigeria Army on December 10, 1962, and was a course mate to Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Bello, and Garba Duba at the Nigeria Military Training College. He served as Governor of South-Eastern State from July 1975 and played a key role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy.

Present at the condolence visit were PANDEF’s National Deputy Chairman, Engr Bassey Ekefre, National Secretary, Engr Chief Reynolds Dagogogo Jack, among other top executives. Obiuwevbi Ominimini noted that the late General’s legacy would be remembered for his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and development.