A former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has expressed sorrow over the passing of a former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Audu Ogbeh. 

In a statement by his Chief of Staff, Dr Moses Ukeyima, on Sunday in Makurdi, Mr Suswam described Mr Ogbeh’s death as a significant loss to Benue State and the nation.

Mr Ogbeh, a former minister of communications, steel development, agriculture and tural development, died on Saturday aged 78.

Mr Suswam said he was saddened that Mr Ogbeh passed away at a time when his experience and wisdom were greatly needed to address the numerous challenges facing the country.

He said, “As minister of agriculture and rural development in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, he endeared himself to Nigerians through the implementation of innovative programmes. He promoted food security, facilitated the export of agricultural produce to boost foreign exchange earnings, and contributed to job creation for Nigerian youths.’’

He described Mr Ogbeh as an illustrious son of Benue State, a seasoned farmer, playwright, and elder statesman who began his political career in 1979.

According to Mr Suswam, the late Ogbeh was elected to the Benue State House of Assembly on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria and subsequently became the deputy speaker.

He recalled that the late Ogbeh held several important positions in Nigeria, including minister of communications and minister of steel development during President Shehu Shagari’s administration.

“In 1998, Chief Audu Ogbeh, as a founding member of the PDP, played a key role in the formation and growth of the party. His contributions were widely acknowledged, culminating in his emergence as national chairman during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo,” Mr Suswam said.

The former two-term governor of Benue State prayed that God grants the deceased eternal rest and gives his family and all Nigerians the strength to bear the loss.

(NAN)