Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed sadness over the death of former minister of agriculture and rural development Audu Ogbeh.
Ogbeh, who also served as national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005, died on Saturday at the age of 78.
In a statement by his spokesman Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the late politician as a distinguished Nigerian who lived a life of service and integrity.
“It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a distinguished elder statesman and a dedicated public servant. Chief Ogbeh lived a life of service, integrity, and commitment to the development of our nation,” Akpabio said.
He added, “As a two-time minister under different administrations, the contributions of the former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) to agriculture, rural development, and nation-building will be remembered for years to come.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was an intellectual store house, whose legacy of service and dedication to Nigeria is a testament to his character and commitment to public service. We will sorely miss him.
“On behalf of my family, constituents and the 10th Senate, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Chief Audu Ogbeh, his friends, political associates, and the people and government of Benue State as well as our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I pray that the Almighty God grants the family the fortitude to bear this painful loss and may his soul find favour with God eternally.”
Ogbeh, who hailed from Benue State, first served as minister of communications under former President Shehu Shagari in the Second Republic. He later became minister of agriculture in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s first term from 2015 to 2019.
The politician, farmer and playwright was also a member of the House of Representatives between 1979 and 1983.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and former President Olusegun Obasanjo are among those who have paid tribute to him.
