President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family as well as the government and people of Edo State over the death of a former governor of the defunct Mid-west Region and old Bendel State, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia.
The president’s condolences were contained in a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.
Buhari affirmed that the deceased diligently served Nigeria with courage and dedication at crucial moments in the nation’s history, both as military governor and a democratically-elected civilian governor.
The president also stated that the late Ogbemudia had a distinguished career as a military officer, administrator and federal minister.
He expressed belief that the elder statesman had left an impressive legacy of hard work, discipline as well as commitment to communal, state, regional and national development.
Buhari recalled Ogbemudia’s "unique role" in the nation’s return to civilian rule in 1999, trusting that as a tireless advocate for equity, he would be long remembered and honoured for his dedication to the advancement of his people, especially in the fields of education, social welfare and infrastructure.
President Buhari prayed that the God Almighty comfort all those mourning the late Brigadier-General Ogbemudia and grant his soul eternal rest.