It was rain of tributes for the former military administrator of the old Bendel state, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, whom Nigerians describe as a man of great character. The late Ogbemudia died on Friday at the age of 84, after brief illness.
Since the news of his death filters, Nigerians from all walks of life have continued to pour in tributes for the man many described as an elder statesman and an apostle of democracy who maintained a firm belief in the rule of law and fair play.
In a condolence message made available to newsmen, Rivers State Governor, Chief EzebunwoNyesomWike and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), ObongNsimaEkere, described the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia as a development champion, who contributed his quota to the growth of country.
In two separate statements issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, Wike and Ekere expressed shock over the death of Ogbemudia, who passed away last Friday at the age of 84 years.
While Wike said the two-time governor passed away when Nigeria is still profiting from his wealth of wisdom, the NDDC boss, Ekere said the death ofOgbemudia, whom he described as a great Niger Deltan, has created a great void that would be difficult to fill.
“Dr. Ogbemudiadisplayed, throughout his tenure, an uncommon maturity, wisdom, courage, pragmatic vision, dedication to service and unflinching commitment to the Nigerian nation, at a time of deep national trials. He helped steer Nigeria to peace and a time of prosperity.
In a related development, the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Monday Igbuya, described the late Ogbemudia as a leader of rare character.
Igbuya who applauded the late elder statesman’s efforts in the improvement of sports, urban development, education, public transportation, housing and commerce in defunct Bendel State, also for his role in the Nigerian Counter Coup of 1966.
“Ogbemudia really showed what difference an individual could make, what difference a leader could make” he said adding that the late Ogebmudia served with distinction.
“Ogbemudia was a professional of immense reputation. His was an enduring performance. Apart from his achievements during his militarydays, he also left lasting testimonies of his contribution to Bendel State” he added.
Meanwhile, leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State led immediate past governor, Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday,paid condolence visit to the family of the late Dr Samuel Ogbemudia.
Speaking during the visit, the Edo state deputy governor, Philip shaibu who stood in for the Governor Obaseki said the state would liaise with Delta state to give the late Ogbemudia a befitting burial.
“We are going to liaise with the family and the Delta state government to give him a befiting burial. We have lost a gem and you know he left his footprint in both Delta and Edo states. He will definitely be given a state burial”.
In a speech, former governor Oshiomhole who said he was particularly pained over the death of Dr Ogbemudia said “God sent Ogbemudia to come and lay foundation for us.