Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi was at the Night of Tributes and Service of Songs put together to honour the former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one time Minister, Chief Audu Ogbeh in Abuja, Nigeria.
Chief Ogbeh passed on recently aged 78.
Also at the event were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, one-time Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, former legislators, political office holders and other dignitaries from across the country.
In an X (former Twitter) post, Mr. Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State said “Chief Ogbeh was not just a statesman; he was a man of character and deep commitment to the service of Nigeria. He stood for principles that transcended politics, reminding us that leadership is about service to the people and fidelity to the truth.
“May his memory continue to inspire us all to pursue justice, unity, and development for our nation. May God grant him eternal rest and grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss. ”
In his post on X, Alhaji Atiku said Chief Ogbeh’s: “passing is a personal loss, as I worked very closely with him in government, especially in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
“I have always valued brilliant minds, and Audu was certainly one of them. He was a remarkable patriot. Seeing a fellow comrade in the struggle for a better Nigeria finally depart was deeply nostalgic. We shared much in common, including joining the fight for democracy in our 30s.
“Though he has answered the inevitable call, his legacy remains evergreen. His footprints in party politics, good governance, and public service are invaluable. It is worth noting that the idea of recruiting young leaders into governance, now popularised as “Not Too Young to Run,” began with leaders like Audu elected to the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979 at just 32. As one of Nigeria’s youngest ministers, he left indelible marks in the communications and steel sectors and later as Minister of Agriculture.
“Audu played his part well and has gone home to rest. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Ogbeh and the entire family.”
