Eminent Nigerians led by President Bola Tinubu are expressing heartfelt condolences on the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, describing him as a great patriot.
Ogbeh, 78, died peacefully on Saturday, according to a statement from his family.
In a condolence message by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu sympathised with the government and people of Benue State.
The president also extended his condolences to Ogbeh’s family, friends, and political associates.
Ogbeh, served Nigeria in several administrations, including as Minister of Communications in the Second Republic and later as Minister of Agriculture under President Muhammadu Buhari.
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Tinubu praised Ogbeh’s deep intellect and his ability to craft solutions to complex national issues.
He noted that Ogbeh began his political career in the 1970s as a legislator and was a founding member of the All Progressives Congress.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was a patriot whose wisdom, dedication, and pursuit of progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.”
”He was always ready with facts and figures to support his propositions. The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience,” Tinubu said.
The president prayed that the Almighty God will receive the departed’s soul, and comfort his family.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia said that he received the news of Ogbeh’s death with deep regret.
The governor also said that he was saddened over the death of the elder statesman and a one time Deputy Speaker of Benue House of Assembly, who lived a successful and fulfilled life, and was greatly respected and admired by many.
According to Alia, the late elder statesman’s legacies will always be remembered. He also prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and his immediate family, the Idoma nation, the entire people of Benue State and Nigeria as a whole the fortitude to bear the loss.
The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar described the death of Chief Audu Ogbe, former Minister of Agriculture as very sad and sorrowful
Alhaji Abubakar extended his condolences to the immediate family members, Benue people and Nigerians over the demise of the ex-Minister.
In a condolence message in his Wadata palace, Bida on Saturday, Etsu Nupe described the deceased as an elder statesman, patriotic leader, and distinguished son of Nigeria.
Abubakar said: “It is with deep sorrow that I, on behalf of the Nupe Kingdom and the Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, received the news of the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, an elder statesman, patriotic leader, and distinguished son of Nigeria.
“Chief Ogbeh was a man of uncommon integrity, wisdom, and dedication to the service of our nation.
“Throughout his life, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to unity, agricultural development, and the upliftment of our people.”
The traditional ruler observed that his wealth of experience and humility in leadership remained exemplary to all who had the privilege of working with him.
According to him, Ogbeh’s death is not only a great loss to his family and his community but also to the entire nation, which will dearly miss his counsel.
The Northern State Governors’ Forum expressed sadness over the demise of Chief Ogbeh.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe, Inuwa Yahaya in a condolence message described Ogbeh as a towering political figure, a statesman of uncommon intellect and an iconic son of Northern Nigeria.
He said that the late ex-minister devoted his life to national development and public service.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was an accomplished leader, a seasoned politician and multifaceted scholar whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and development will remain etched in history.
“He brought dignity and depth to every office he held and served the country with integrity and commitment,” he said.
The NSGF chairman described Ogbeh’s death as a huge loss not only to Benue and the north, but also to the entire country.
“As chairman of the Northern State Governors’ Forum, I join the government and people of Benue, the Ogbeh family and indeed the nation in mourning a truly remarkable Nigerian,” he said.
Yahaya said that the late former National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party leader left behind a legacy of patriotism, intellectual depth, humility and outstanding public service.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the elder statesman and for strength and comfort to his family and loved ones during this period of grief.(NAN)
