BY SUNDAY EGEDE
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, his wife, Deaconess Tobore; Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, former governor of the state, Chief James Onanefe and the immediate past governor of the state, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Dame Edith, as well as serving and retired military officers, yesterday, attended the funeral service of General Paul Omu.
In his sermon during the service held at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church, Igbide in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state, the Archbishop of Bendel Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Ughelli Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Cyril Odutemu paid glowing tribute to the late General Paul Omu, describing him as a man who walked in the path of honour and integrity.
Archbishop Odutemu noted that General Omu, who was a former Military Governor of the defunct South-Eastern State (now Cross River and Akwa Ibom), willingly placed his life on the line in service to the nation, adding that he (the late General) lived well to the glory of God.
The Anglican cleric who quoted copiously from relevant Bible verses said Nigeria is worth dying for, asserting that the late General Paul Omu embodied that conviction throughout his lifetime.
“Today, we thank God for the opportunity to bury a General with dignity. But had he fallen in combat, would we be gathered here in his honour? General Paul Olomu put his life on the line from the early 1960s. He entered the army with the willingness to die for Nigeria. Many like him chose integrity over comfort. They had opportunities to enrich themselves, but they refused. They walked the path of honour.
“There are still men of integrity in this land. They are sitting among us; they are in the barracks; they are in government offices, and they are in churches. But wickedness has become so loud that integrity is no longer recognised.
“Beloved, leaders must wake up. If Nigeria collapses, no one will escape the consequences. Our sovereignty is being threatened, and other nations are considering intervening. When the old guard stood, they stood firm. They did not compromise; they did not trade lives for comfort.
“Let us not deceive ourselves; there will be judgment. The books will be opened. Every leader, every pastor, every soldier and every citizen will stand before God. Those who know what is right and refuse to say it will give an account.
“Those who have suppressed justice will answer, and those who are silent in the face of wickedness will answer. You may hide from men, but you cannot hide from eternity.
“In the days of integrity, Nigeria had resources. Those men could have stolen everything, and they could have transferred our future to other nations. But some chose righteousness; they remembered that one day the books would be opened,” he said.
According to him, everyone will ultimately return to their Maker naked, without wealth or status, to face the judgment of God, even as he lamented the growing wickedness in society, even within the church, questioning why people accumulate vast wealth while neglecting the poor and needy.
“Beloved in Christ, whether we like it or not, the truth remains that every one of us will one day leave this earth. Some live long, some live short, but what matters is that we live well. To God be the glory for every life lived in righteousness, in the name of Jesus.
“We need a change in Nigeria, starting from the church and our communities,” he said, just as he challenged leaders at all levels to use state resources prudently by creating jobs and meaningfully addressing the needs and aspirations of the people they govern.”
While commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his developmental strides, the Archbishop encouraged him to remain on the path of transformative development in the state.
Addressing the widow of the late General, the Archbishop consoled her, acknowledging that she had stood faithfully beside her husband, stressing that her husband’s passing would place greater responsibilities on her, but assured her of God’s grace.
He further called on the people of Isoko Nation to invest in the next generation by supporting them, describing such investment as a critical duty for the progress and continuity of the community.
“May God raise men and women of integrity once again; may He protect those who serve this nation with courage; may He comfort the families of the fallen and may He prepare every one of us for the day when the books will be opened,” Archbishop Odutemu prayed.
Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who was represented at the ceremony by Major-General Oluwafemi Williams, delivered a deeply touching tribute after reading the biography of the late General Paul Omu.
General Shaibu recounted the late Omu’s impressive rise through the military ranks, culminating in his elevation to the prestigious rank of a Major General, pointing out that he was also appointed as a Military Governor, where he demonstrated exceptional administrative acumen and innovative leadership.
According to him, the late General was not only a seasoned and visionary military officer but also a consummate patriot who left an enduring legacy of excellence everywhere he served, stressing that his commitment to duty, discipline and national service earned him the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Speaking on behalf of the Omu’s family, the late General’s eldest son, Oghenekome Ufuoma Omu, expressed deep and heartfelt gratitude to all who came to honour their father, thanking them for their prayers, presence and unwavering support during their time of grief.
Other dignitaries who attended the funeral were former Deputy Governor Chief Benjamin Elue; Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Rear Admiral Mike Onah, and Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu.
The President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Prof. Chris Akpotu, also led an IDU delegation to honour the late icon.
Described as one of Isoko’s most notable leaders, the late General, who died at the age of 85 years, was celebrated for his integrity, courage and unwavering dedication to the Nigerian nation. He is survived by his wife, Senator Stella Omu, children, grandchildren and an extended family.
