President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, says Nigeria has lost a great elder statesman with the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and ex National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described Ogbeh as a distinguished Nigerian who lived a life of service, integrity, and commitment to the development of our nation.

“It is deeply saddening to hear of the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a respected elder statesman and devoted public servant who dedicated his life to service, upheld integrity, and remained committed to the nation’s development.”

“Having served as a minister twice under different administrations, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman’s work in agriculture, rural development, and nation-building will be remembered for many years.

“Chief Audu Ogbeh was an intellectual storehouse, whose legacy of service and dedication to Nigeria is a testament to his character and commitment to public service. We will sorely miss him,” the statement read in part.

The Senate President extended his condolences to Ogbeh’s family, friends, political associates, the people and government of Benue State, and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He prayed God to give them the strength to bear the loss and grant the late statesman eternal rest.