Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has described the death of Audu Ogbeh, former minister of agriculture, as the loss of a patriot and principled politician.
In a statement issued by his media office on Saturday, Atiku called Ogbeh a “quintessential gentleman, affable and amiable friend, and reliable political ally” whose contributions to nation-building will be sorely missed.
He said Ogbeh’s tenure as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005 was impactful, adding that he was also a multi-linguist, farmer, politician, and renowned family man.
Atiku described the late politician as an Idoma community steward and a great ambassador of Nigeria.
His words: “He was a detribalised and development-minded politician, one who combined intellectualism with pragmatism.
“He was also a true defender of liberal democracy. His type is difficult to replace.”
The former vice-president commiserated with Ogbeh’s family, friends, the people of Benue, and Nigerians at large.
Ogbeh died at his Abuja residence on Saturday morning at the age of 78.