Former Vice President of Nigeria, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu has died following a brief illness.
Aikhomu, 72, was admitted to a London hospital a few months back to treat prostate cancer and has struggled with his health since then. He died at a hospital in Apapa, Lagos yesterday.
He was the second in command from 1986 to 1993 during the rule of General Ibrahim Babangida.
Born in Irrua-Ishan in southern state of Edo, Aikhomu got his military training from several countries including a Long Gunnery Specialist Course in India.
He was enlisted shortly after graduation into the Nigeria Navy, where he rose to the position of Chief of Naval Staff in 1984.
“Admiral Aikhomu”s life was defined by the values of hard work and commitment; he was a conscientious and dutiful officer who was in all respects admirably equipped for his roles in the military and in the larger society,” President Goodluck Jonathan said in a condolence message.