News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura Makurdi
Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has expressed sadness over the demise of Chief Audu Ogbeh, who passed unto eternal glory on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the age of 78.
Suswam, in a statement signed by his Chief of Staff, Moses Ukeyima, expressed regrets that Chief Ogbeh, who was an illustrious son of Benue State, farmer, playwright and elder statesman started his political career in 1979 when he was elected on the platform of National Party of Nigeria (NPN) as a member of Benue State House of Assembly and subsequently, elected as Deputy Speaker of the House.
Senator Suswam recalls that until his transition to glory, Chief Ogbeh held several important positions in Nigeria, including Minister of Communications and later Steel Development during the administration of President Shehu Shagari.
He recalled that “In 1998, Chief Audu Ogbeh, as a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) among other imminent Nigerians made significant contributions to the growth of the party which were applauded by many party leaders culminating to his emergence as the National Chairman of the Party during the regime of President Olusegun Obasango.”
Suswam described the late Chief Ogbeh as a visionary leader with noble character who stood firm for the peace, unity, and progress of Nigeria.
As Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, he endeared himself to Nigerians by implementing innovative programmes which promoted food security for the nation, export of agro produce for foreign exchange earnings and job creation for Nigerian youths.
Senator Suswam prayed God to grant the family of the deceased, the Ochi’ Idoma, the entire Idoma people and Nigerians at large the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and the soul of late Chief Audu Ogbeh eternal rest.
