Wike, Buhari Mourn Tonye Graham-Douglas

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has received the news of the demise of elder statesman, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, with profound sadness.
Wike, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said Rivers State has lost one of its worthiest sons.
He passed away in Abuja, last Monday, at the age of 83.
The governor noted that Graham-Douglas’ service to Rivers State as a commissioner, and the nation as minister of youth, sports and culture; minister of aviation; and minister of labour and productivity, was exceptional.
“It is with profound sadness that I received the news that Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas is no more. His death is indisputably the passing of an era. He was a colossus in public life. He served our dear Rivers State and the nation with the spirit of patriotism. The state has lost one of its worthiest sons.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Rivers State, I express my profound condolences to the Graham-Douglas family and all those who mourn his passing.”
Wike further added that Graham-Douglas’ genuine warmth and affection for Rivers State and his enduring legacy of peace would always be remembered.
Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari said Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, who held several portfolios as minister, left a legacy of distinguished service to the nation.
Buhari said this in his condolence message to the Graham-Douglas family and the Government of Rivers State.
In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari sympathised with the Government and people of Rivers State over the loss of the politician.
Buhari described Graham-Douglas as a political stalwart, democrat and administrator.
“The President notes the historic roles Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas played in entrenching democratic rule and a liberal culture, joining well-meaning Nigerians and global leaders to stand and speak for justice and fairness, while promoting grassroots development among his people.
“President Buhari believes the investments of the departed in people and building of institutions will be remembered by posterity”.
Graham-Douglas public service began in 1986 when he became commissioner for youths, sports and culture in the Rivers State.
In 1989, the military government of Ibrahim Babangida appointed him minister for social development, youths and sports.
Later, he became minister of petroleum affairs.
In 1992, Graham-Douglas became chairman of the Southern Minorities Movement, one of the groups that eventually merged into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He was a candidate in the PDP primaries for the presidential nomination in 1998, losing to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who went on to become president.