…Says he was a patriot, brilliant mind
Our Reporter, Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has paid glowing tributes to the late Chief Audu Ogbeh, describing his death as a personal loss and Nigeria’s loss of a remarkable patriot.
Atiku, who joined other leaders on Monday evening at the Night of Tributes and Service of Songs held in honour of the late elder statesman at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, recalled his close working relationship with Ogbeh, particularly in the formative years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
He praised Ogbeh’s brilliance and unwavering commitment to national service, noting that they both shared a long history of political struggle, including the fight for democracy in their 30s.
“His passing is a personal loss, as I worked very closely with him in government, especially in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party. I have always valued brilliant minds, and Audu was certainly one of them,” Atiku wrote on his official X handle.
The former Vice President highlighted Ogbeh’s pioneering role in youth inclusion in politics, pointing out that he was elected into the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979 at just 32 years old, a feat Atiku likened to today’s “Not Too Young to Run” movement.
Atiku also extolled Ogbeh’s contributions as one of Nigeria’s youngest ministers, where he left “indelible marks in the communications and steel sectors and later as Minister of Agriculture.”
“Though he has answered the inevitable call, his legacy remains evergreen. His footprints in party politics, good governance, and public service are invaluable,” Atiku stated.
The ADC chieftain condoled with Ogbeh’s family, praying for strength for his widow, Mrs. Ogbeh, and the entire household.
