The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has described the death of Prince Abubakar Audu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kogi State election as one of the most tragic anti-climax in contemporary Nigerian politics.
The PGF Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, in a statement issued, expressed shock over the death but recognized his consistency in pursuing the greater good for the people of Kogi State.
The Forum for the APC governors said Prince Audu’s role in the campaign for the creation of Kogi State was recognized in November 1991 when electorate elected him as the first civilian Governor of the State but had his tenure cut short by military intervention in 1993.
The statement said his efforts were, however, rewarded again at the return of democratic rule in 1999 as Kogi people returned him with a fresh mandate.
“At every opportunity to serve his people, Prince Audu had always put his hands to the plough. A few of Prince Audu’s landmark legacies include the Kogi State Government House, Kogi State University, Kogi State Polytechnic, Kogi State Television, Radio and Newspaper outfits, Kogi State Stadium, hundreds of rural electrification and water projects, Beach Confluence Hotel, 3 major housing estates, attraction of major industrial concerns to Kogi State and the transformation of Lokoja into a modern state capital,” the statement added.
The governors condoled with his family, the good people of Kogi State, the leaders and the members of the APC all over the world and all lovers of democracy.
“In death, we celebrate a great son of Kogi State and Nigeria. As Progressive Governors, we remain resolute and shall stand by the family of Prince Audu, the defiantly progressive people of Kogi State and Nigeria and our reliant leaders of APC at all levels to consummate the electoral victory of APC in Kogi State, the statement released by acting PGF Communication Officer, Esohe Eboigbe, also stated.