Former Senate Presidents, Dr Abubakar Saraki and Senator David Mark, alongside the interim leadership of the Labour Party, have mourned the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh, describing him as a principled leader who served Nigeria with distinction.
Ogbeh, who held various national positions including Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Communications, as well as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died peacefully at his Abuja residence on Saturday at the age of 78. He was also a notable farmer and one of the country’s respected elder statesmen.
In his tribute, Saraki said Ogbeh brought “integrity” to national service, adding that “our nation has lost a voice of reason and a heart of service.” He described him as “one of the rare public figures whose words carried the weight of integrity. In his work and my encounters with him, I saw a man deeply rooted in good values and genuinely concerned for the interest of the people he served.”
Labour Party’s interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, also paid glowing tribute to the late politician, describing him as “a principled and patriotic public servant who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities.” She noted, “Chief Ogbeh’s death leaves an unfillable void in the chronicles of our political terrain. At a time when our nation’s leadership is plagued by a dearth of genuine and principled leaders, the loss of such a rare statesman is indeed a painful blow to the country.
“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.
“While we mourn this illustrious Nigerian, we must take solace in the fact that Chief Ogbeh lived a truly fulfilled life. From his early years as a teacher, to his foray into politics where he rose to the pinnacle of leadership, from his remarkable public service record to his outstanding success as a farmer, his was a life dedicated to service and excellence.
“On behalf of the entire Labour Party family, I extend our deepest condolences to the Ogbeh family, his associates, and the Nigerian people at large.”
Similarly, ADC Interim National Chairman, Senator David Mark, said Ogbeh’s passing was a huge blow to the national political space, describing him as a forthright leader who upheld the sanctity of truth and devoted himself to the service of humanity.
He recalled that the elder statesman was among the rare breed of political leaders who genuinely believed in the unity of Nigeria, where no citizen should be oppressed or denied the opportunity to fulfil their dreams. “Ogbeh preached justice, fairness, and equity. He was morally upright even in the face of adversity,” Mark said.
According to him, the nation has lost “one of her finest and most fertile minds — a man who gave his all in service to both our country and humanity.” Mark added, “Ogbeh will be remembered for his brilliance, forthrightness, and unwavering integrity.”
He urged the government and people of Benue State, as well as the late politician’s family, to take solace in the fact that their patriarch lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Ogbeh served as Minister of Communications during the Second Republic under the late President Shehu Shagari, and as Minister of Agriculture under late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
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