FIC REPORT (BAYELSA STATE) – Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, have commended the former Military Administrator of the state, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi (Retd.), for his role in steering Bayelsa through a critical period in its history.
They spoke at the weekend during the funeral of Obi’s father, Pa Sir Benedict Apie Obi, who died at the age of 100, at Okubuchi-Irruan in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Jonathan, represented at the ceremony by former Deputy Governor Peter Akpe, described Lt. Col. Obi as disciplined, calm and friendly, noting that those qualities helped him manage the tense political atmosphere in Bayelsa and oversee a peaceful transition to the state’s first elected governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, in 1999.
The former President also praised Obi for maintaining his relationship with Bayelsa and its people decades after leaving office, describing the funeral as a celebration of his late father’s life and legacy.
Governor Diri, represented by Akpe, said Obi occupies an enduring place in Bayelsa’s history, having served as Military Administrator from July 1998 to May 1999, when he handed over power to Alamieyeseigha on May 29, 1999. He described the Obi family as one with which Bayelsa shares a historic bond and commended the former administrator for maintaining close ties with the state.
Diri also hailed the late Pa Benedict Obi for a life marked by service, industry, leadership and faith, noting that his century-long life and contributions to his community and country were worthy of celebration.
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, and the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, also paid tribute to the deceased for his contributions to his community and the nation.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Lt. Col. Paul Obi thanked the Bayelsa Government, Jonathan and other dignitaries for identifying with the family, saying the presence of former officials who served under his administration reflected his enduring relationship with the state.
He said despite being a Cross Riverian by birth, he regarded himself as a citizen of Bayelsa, where he served at a defining period in the state’s history.
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony were former Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd.); Leader of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou-Obolo; Chief Whip, Hon. Michael Ogbara; Paramount Ruler of Oloibiri Clan, King Amalate Turner; his Atissa counterpart, King Victor Awala; and former Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Lady Grace Fiepere.
Ighovojah Gloria Afure
Senior Information Officer
FIC Yenagoa, Bayelsa
19th September 2026
