Abuja: The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has described the death of the former Agriculture Minister and nationalist, Chief Audu Ogbeh, as a “loss of a patriot and principled politician”.
Abubakar, in a statement by his Media Office on Saturday in Abuja, described Ogbeh as a “quintessential gentleman, affable and amiable friend and reliable political ally”, whose immense contributions to nation-building would be sorely missed.
Abubakar recalled that Ogbeh’s chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005 was impactful.
He described the multi-linguist, farmer, and politician as also a renowned family man, an Idoma community steward, and a great ambassador of Nigeria globally.
“He was a detribalized and development-minded politician. One who combined intellectualism with pragmatism. He was also a steadfast defender of liberal democracy. His type is challenging to replace.
Abubakar commiserated with the family, friends, the people of Benue, and Nigerians at large.
He prayed that the Almighty would bless his soul and comfort his nuclear family, friends, and political associates.
Chief Ogbeh died in his Abuja residence on Saturday morning at the age of 78.