By John Ogunsemore
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi on Saturday mourned former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh.
In separate statements shared on X, the opposition leaders described Ogbeh as a reliable ally and detribalised leader whose demise came as a rude shock.
Atiku said, “The sudden passing of Chief Innocent Audu Ogbeh comes as a rude shock.
“Audu was a patriot, a principled politician, a quintessential gentleman, and a reliable ally.
“His leadership of the PDP between 2001 and 2005 was impactful, and his contributions to nation-building were immense.
“A detribalised leader, he combined intellect with pragmatism and remained a steadfast defender of democracy.
“I commiserate with his family, friends, the people of Benue State, and all Nigerians. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest.”
Obi said the late Ogbeh carried himself with humility and integrity, qualities that earned him respect across political divides.
The former Anambra governor disclosed that Ogbeh was a statesman with whom he shared a close relationship.
Obi said, “He was one of those rare politicians with whom I could have genuine and insightful discussions about our beloved country, particularly on agriculture, a sector he was deeply passionate about.
“During his tenure as Minister of Agriculture, and in his strategic planning for the North, he demonstrated vision, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to seeing Nigeria feed itself and thrive through sustainable agricultural development.
“Chief Ogbeh carried himself with humility and integrity qualities that earned him respect across political divides.”
Obi said the ex-minister’s passing was not only a personal loss but also a profound loss to Nigeria.
“May God Almighty, who has called him home, grant him eternal rest in His kingdom and grant his family and all of us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
