Late Audu Ogbeh,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and governors from Nigeria’s northern region have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former Minister of Agriculture and ex-chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who died at the age of 78.
In a statement issued Saturday, President Tinubu paid tribute to Ogbeh, describing him as a visionary patriot and staunch advocate of democracy.
He extended condolences to Ogbeh’s family, the people of Benue State, and the nation at large.
Tinubu acknowledged Ogbeh’s invaluable role in shaping national policies and his ability to provide practical solutions to Nigeria’s complex issues.
“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 president’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, said.
“The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience.”
Similarly, former President Obasanjo expressed profound sadness and shock at Ogbeh’s death. He praised the late politician for his humility, patriotism, and lifelong dedication to democratic values.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh will be missed for his unwavering commitment to politics, governance and democracy, as he made significant contributions to the re-establishment of democracy in Nigeria.”
“His place will be very difficult to fill within his community, the State, the Party and the nation,” Obasanjo stated.
He described Ogbeh as “a peace-loving, unassuming, committed patriot and a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance,” noting that his political journey spanned from the military era into Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.
The 19 governors from Northern Nigeria also issued a collective statement mourning Ogbeh’s loss.
Through their spokesperson, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa of Gombe State, they praised him as a respected figure and public servant who made lasting contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Ogbeh, they said, was “a towering political figure, a statesman of uncommon intellect, and an iconic son of Northern Nigeria who devoted his life to national development and public service.”
“An accomplished leader, a seasoned politician and a multifaceted scholar whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and development will remain etched in history,” Inuwa noted on behalf of the governors.
Also reacting to the news, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Nenadi Usman, paid a heartfelt tribute to Ogbeh’s character and legacy.
She described him as a selfless public servant who consistently provided guidance and wisdom.
“On a personal note, I have lost a father and a mentor. From when I met him till his passing, Chief Ogbeh never wavered in his readiness to offer wise counsel and guidance whenever called upon,” she said.
“While we mourn this illustrious Nigerian, we must take solace in the fact that Chief Ogbeh lived a truly fulfilled life.”
