Governor of Delta and Vice-Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has condoled the Tuoyo family and Itsekiris on the passing of Brig.-Gen Sunny Tuoyo (retd).
Gen. Tuoyo, who is father-in-law to former Governor of Delta, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, was Military Administrator of old Ondo State between 1978 and 1979 and handed over to late Chief Michael Ajasin as first Civilian Governor of the state.
He died in Lagos on Saturday at 84.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa particularly condoled with the children of the deceased, including his daughter, Mrs Roli Uduaghan and her husband, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, over the unfortunate demise of the former military officer.
He said that Tuoyo’s death was a loss to the family, the Itsekiri race and Nigerians, especially for his contributions to nation-building through his military career and as an administrator.
The governor, however, urged the family to be consoled by the legacies of integrity and life’s values that the deceased bequeathed to the children.
He assured the family of the support and prayers of his family, Delta Government and people of the state at this period.
“It is with sadness that I, my family, the government and people of Delta commiserate with the Tuoyo family and the entire Itsekiri nation on the passing away of the retired military officer, Brig.-Gen. Esijolomi Tuoyo (retd).
“He was a great leader whose contributions to the military helped to secure the nation’s territorial integrity and unity in Nigeria.
“His death is, no doubt, a great loss not just to his family and the Itsekiri nation but to our state and country. His contributions to sustainable democracy and support to governance will be missed.
“I recall how he handed over the reigns of power to the late Chief Michael Ajasin as first elected Governor of old Ondo State while serving as military administrator of the state.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Itsekiri people and the military. May his soul repose peacefully and the family given the fortitude to bear his demise,” Okowa said.
