Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, has paid tribute to the late Audu Ogbeh, describing him as one of the most effective national chairmen in the history of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ogbeh, who also served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, died on Saturday at the age of 78.

In a heartfelt statement, Ibori praised the late politician as a humble and principled leader who placed integrity and internal democracy above personal gain.

Read Also: Nigeria has lost a patriot in Audu Ogbeh — Tinubu

Reflecting on their political journey, Ibori recalled that during his re-election bid in 2003, Ogbeh was reportedly instructed to block his candidacy. However, Ogbeh refused to comply, dismissing the directive as “devilish machinations.” Ibori went on to contest and win, completing his second term as Delta governor in 2007.

“I received with great sadness the news of the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh, former National Chairman of the PDP and ex-Minister of Agriculture,” Ibori said. “He was one of the most effective chairmen the PDP ever produced. He was not about money or bribes; he upheld internal democracy and was a man of integrity.”

Ogbeh’s passing has drawn tributes from across Nigeria’s political landscape, with many hailing his contributions to governance and party leadership.

Gov. Hyacinth Alia, has mourned a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Chief Audu Ogbeh, who died on Saturday at the age of 78.

Alia, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, in Makurdi on Saturday, said that he received the news of Ogbeh’s death with deep regret.

The governor also said that he was saddened over the death of the elder statesman and former National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said Ogbeh, a one time Deputy Speaker of Venue House of Assembly, lived a successful and fulfilled life, and was greatly respected and admired by many.

According to Alia, the late elder statesman’s  legacies will always be remembered.

He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and his immediate family, the Idoma nation, the entire people of Benue State and Nigeria as a whole the fortitude to bear the loss.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogbeh, who, at different times, served as Minister of Communications as well as Steel Development, was also a farmer and playwright during his lifetime.

Read Also: Audu Ogbeh served Nigeria with integrity, commitment – Northern Governors

Ogbeh joined politics at a relatively young age and was elected into Benue House of Assembly on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1979, where he served as deputy speaker.

Meanwhile , the governor has also commiserated with the Ishoribo family over the death of the Executive Secretary of Benue Examinations Board, Ade Ishoribo.

He described the late executive secretary as a gentleman whose impact at the board had started yielding result, adding that it was unfortunate that death had cut short his work at the organisation.

The governor prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and his immediate family, staff members of the board, the people of Guma Local Government Area and Benue at large the solace to bear the loss.

NAN reports that the governor had already sent a delegation to extend the sympathies of the government and people of the state to the deceased’s family.

(NAN)

Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has described former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who died on Saturday as an accomplished leader, a seasoned politician and multifaceted scholar whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and development will remain etched in history.

Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe, Inuwa Yahaya, stated this in a condolence message issued by his Media Aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, on Saturday in Gombe.

Yahaya described Ogbeh as a towering political figure, a statesman of uncommon intellect and an iconic son of Northern Nigeria.

He said that the late ex-minister devoted his life to national development and public service.

“Chief Audu Ogbeh was an accomplished leader, a seasoned politician and multifaceted scholar whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and development will remain etched in history.

Read Also: BREAKING: Former Agric Minister Audu Ogbeh dies at 78

“He brought dignity and depth to every office he held and served the country with integrity and commitment,” he said.

The NSGF chairman described Ogbeh’s death as a huge loss not only to Benue and the north, but also to the entire country.

expressed sadness over the demise of an elder statesman and , Chief Audu Ogbeh.

Ogbeh passed away on Saturday at the age of 78.

“As chairman of the Northern State Governors’ Forum, I join the government and people of Benue, the Ogbeh family and indeed the nation in mourning a truly remarkable Nigerian,” he said.

Yahaya said that the late former National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader left behind a legacy of patriotism, intellectual depth, humility and outstanding public service.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the elder statesman and for strength and comfort to his family and loved ones during this period of grief.

(NAN)