By Teddy Nwanunobi
Abuja (Sundiata Post) — National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, described the late former military governor of the defunct Midwestern State, Brigadier-General Samuel Ogbemudia, who died on Thursday night at the age of 84, as “a very professional and disciplined military officer”.
Also on Friday, the National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, described the late Ogbemudia as “a nationalist, detribalised and visionary leader, astute politician, administrator par excellence and statesman”.
Similarly, the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Friday, described the former governor of old Bendel State (now Delta and Edo states) as “a man of the people”.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Media Officer, Tunde Rahman, praised Ogbemudia’s record of infrastructural development as governor of the old Mid-western region.
The former governor of Lagos State said that Ogbemudia’s record is still being appreciated and talked about till today.
“I received the news of the death of former military governor of old Midwest Region and ex-governor of Bendel State -now Delta and Edo states – Gen. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia (CON), on Thursday March 9, 2017 at 11 p.m., early this (Friday) morning.
“Though we never wish that our elders leave us even at an advanced age, General Ogbemudia lived to the age of 84. We are not to mourn his death, but celebrate his life and times.
“Gen. Ogbemudia was a very professional and disciplined military officer. He played a strategic leadership role in liberating the Midwest region from the hands of the Biafra troops.
“We have lost an uncommon patriot and nationalist who fought with former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to keep our dear nation one.
“As governor, General Ogbemudia’s record of infrastructural development in old Midwest region is still being talked about till this day. He showed his love for education as a catalyst for human capacity development by creating the Midwest Institute of Technology, now University of Benin.
“Also, all through his stewardship as Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chairman of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Chairman Petroleum Products Monitoring Company and Chairman Governing Council of the University of Abuja, he demonstrated rare leadership qualities.
“Gen. Ogbemudia was a father to all. He nurtured so many young men and women in politics. It was no surprise, therefore, that he commanded respect from across the nation.
“He will be sorely missed by the good people of old Bendel State who benefited immensely from his socio-political and economic footprints across the region.
“I offer my condolences to the family he left behind, to Governor Godwin Obaseki and the good people of old Bendel State and Nigerians in general,” Tinubu said in his condolence message.
While expressing his grief over the death of the respected statesman, Odigie-Oyegun, who further described Ogbemudia as an “astute politician, administrator par excellence and statesman”, noted that Ogbemudia soldiered to the very end.
“The history of the defunct Bendel State (now Edo and Delta states) is incomplete without copious reference to late Ogbemudia’s immense contributions to the social, political and economic development of the geo-political entity. Without doubt, he touched the lives of Nigerians, particularly the people of Edo and Delta States.
“I recall with pride that the University of Benin; Auchi Polytechnic (now Federal Polytechnic, Auchi); Ogbe Stadium (later renamed after Gen. Ogbemudia); College of Physical Education Afuze (now Michael Imoudu College of Physical Education, Afuze); Bendel Line (now Edo Line); befitting High Court Complex, Benin City, State Civil Service Secretariat; Bendel Cement Factory; network of durable motorable roads; Bendel Hotels; Bendel Newspapers Corporation are some of the notable legacies Ogbemudia’s administration bequeathed.
“Since the late Ogbemudia exited office, he worked tirelessly to ensure peace and progress in the country.
“Indeed, Nigeria has lost an illustrious son who soldiered to the very end. We are consoled by the fact that the late Ogbemudia lived an accomplished, impactful and celebrated life. May the Almighty God give the late Ogbemudia eternal rest and the family, the strength to bear the great loss,” Odigie-Oyegun said.
Reacting to the demise of the late former governor, Saraki described his death as a colossal loss to the country.
Saraki, who received the news of Ogbemudia’s death with shock, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, particularly regretted that Ogbemudia’s death came at a time Nigerians are still mourning the demise of another elder statesman and former governor of the defunct Western Region, late General Robert Adeyinka Adebayo.
He commiserated with the Ogbemudia’s family, the government and people of Edo and Delta states, and Nigerians in general over the incident.
He noted that Ogbemudia’s death has robbed the entire country of an intelligent officer, dynamic administrator, focused gentleman and a leader par excellence, who served his country and people meritoriously.
“Ogbemudia was a man of the people. His humility and courage stood him shoulder high above many of his contemporaries. We shall all miss him,” Saraki said.
He prayed God to grant the departed soul eternal rest and his family and loved ones the grace to bear the great loss.