President Bola Tinubu has sent a message of condolence to the government and people of Benue State on the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, the former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He also commiserated with the late statesman’s family, friends and associates.
Chief Ogbeh, who was 78 years old, served Nigeria in several administrations, including as Minister of Communications in the Second Republic and later as Minister of Agriculture under President Muhammadu Buhari.
Tinubu acknowledged Chief Ogbeh’s intellectual contributions to policy formulation and his articulation of practical solutions to complex national challenges.
The President recognised that the late Ogbeh, who joined politics in the 70s as a legislator, 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”, President Tinubu said.
The President prayed that the Almighty God will receive the departed’s soul, and comfort his family.
Also, Senator Gabriel Suswam has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ogbeh. In a statement by his Chief of Staff, Dr Moses Ukeyima, in Makurdi, Suswam described Ogbeh’s death as a significant loss to Benue State and the nation.
Ogbeh, a former Minister of Communications, Steel Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, died on Saturday at the age of 78.
Suswam said he was saddened that Ogbeh passed away at a time when his experience and wisdom were greatly needed to address the numerous challenges facing the country.
“As Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, he endeared himself to Nigerians through the implementation of innovative programmes. He promoted food security, facilitated the export of agricultural produce to boost foreign exchange earnings, and contributed to job creation for Nigerian youths,” Suswam said.
He described Ogbeh as an illustrious son of Benue, a seasoned farmer, playwright, and elder statesman who began his political career in 1979.
According to Suswam, Ogbeh was elected to the Benue State House of Assembly on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), and subsequently became the Deputy Speaker.
He further recalled that Ogbeh held several important positions in Nigeria, including Minister of Communications and Minister of Steel Development during President Shehu Shagari’s administration.
“In 1998, Chief Audu Ogbeh, as a founding member of the PDP, played a key role in the formation and growth of the party. His contributions were widely acknowledged, culminating in his emergence as National Chairman during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo,” Suswam said.
The former two-term governor of Benue State prayed that God grants the deceased eternal rest and gives his family and all Nigerians the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
(NAN)
