Nigeria mourns former military governor

Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu (rtd), a former military governor of the defunct South-Eastern State—now Akwa Ibom and Cross River States—has passed away at the age of 84.

His death was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, by Oghenekome Omu, who signed on behalf of the family. According to the statement, the respected statesman and retired army general died on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Born in Igbide community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Omu was hailed as a patriot, soldier, and community leader who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria and the advancement of his Isoko heritage.

“Major-General Paul Ufuoma Omu was a family man, patriot, statesman, soldier, and community leader whose life was marked by unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria and his beloved Isoko Nation,” the statement read.

Omu served as the military governor of the South-Eastern State between July 1975 and July 1978. During his tenure, he focused on the construction and rehabilitation of key infrastructure and laid the groundwork for lasting reforms that impacted the region’s development.

In 1985, he was appointed Commander of the Command and Staff College and became a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council—the highest decision-making body in the country at the time.

A prominent figure in Nigeria’s political evolution, General Omu played a significant role during the transition to democratic rule. In 1994, he was appointed Chairman of the Constitutional Conference Commission, where he helped shape the constitutional framework that would guide Nigeria’s return to civilian governance.

In recognition of his continued service, former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua appointed him Chairman of the 10-member Governing Board of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in September 2009.

Beyond national service, Omu also contributed to community development. He served as the President of the Isoko Development Union (IDU) from 2014 to 2015, fostering unity and progress among the Isoko people.

He is survived by his wife, Senator Chief (Mrs) Stella Omu, six children, siblings, grandchildren, and other extended family members.