Families of the late Commissioner of Police, Rivers State command, Mr. Mobolaji Francis Odesanya, have announced Friday, February 17, 2017 as the burial date for the Police officer who died on January 31st.
According to a burial programme sighted by National Infinity, CP Odesanya will be interred at the Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos after a funeral service at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos. The service is slated for 10am.
Other programmes preceding the burial service and interment include a Christian Wake Keep at the same St. Dominics Catholic Church, Yaba on Thursday 16th of February 2017 at 5pm while a Service ofr Songs will hold at the MUSON Centre, Onikan Lagos on Wednesday February 15 at 5pm.
Meanwhile, regrets continued to pour in for the family over the death of the Rivers State Police boss. The Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside described his death as “shocking” and coming at a time when the state and Nigeria needed his professional competence and managerial capability.
Dr. Peterside stated that the demise of CP Odesanya has robbed the nation of a fine officer and gentleman, who rose through the ranks before being posted to Rivers State to help curtail the activities of criminal elements.
“Indeed, our state and the entire nation have lost a fine officer and gentleman who weathered it through the ranks to the position he held before his death. His loss becomes more painful considering his efforts at checkmating the dangerous activities of criminals in Rivers State,” Peterside bemoaned.
The NIMASA DG sympathized with the Inspector-General of Police and Police Service Commission over the unfortunate loss, saying it was indeed a big loss to the Nigeria Police.
“This is indeed a sad one to the Police, Rivers State and Nigeria. He has contributed to the corporate existence of Nigeria and fought several criminal elements in the society to ensure that we are able to move around freely and go about our normal duties.
“For the few months he has been in Rivers State, he showed the attributes of a good leader, who is ready to lead from the front and provide direction for the rank and file,” Peterside stressed.
So also, The Chairman, Rivers State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief (Dr) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya lamented the sudden death of Mr. Francis Odesanya, describing the development as shocking and devastating especially to all those who crossed path with the late CP.
Chief Ikanya stated “It is difficult to imagine who would not feel a deep sense of loss over the death of CP Odesanya given the humility, maturity and professionalism which the late CP displayed on the job.
“Indeed, the sudden death of CP Odesanya came as a huge blow to all especially the political class in Rivers State who have seen and dealt with a number of Police Commissioners in the past but felt the exemplary attributes of CP Odesanya within the short period he served in Rivers State,” Chief Ikanya stated.
Chief Ikanya said that the people of Rivers State especially the political class would miss the late Police Commissioner who displayed uncommon fairness to all irrespective of political affiliation. He prayed God Almighty to grant the soul of late CP Odesanya eternal rest and provide succour and consolation to the family he left behind.
