Diri Condoles Graham-Douglas’ Family

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commiserated with the Graham-Douglas family of Abonnema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State over the death of prominent Ijaw leader, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas.
The deceased, who was popularly addressed with the initials of his name, Alabo T.O. Graham-Douglas, was at various times a Minister of Nigeria.
He was the Federal Minister of Social Development, Youth and Sports; Aviation; Labour and Productivity; as well as Culture and Tourism.
In a condolence message to the family, the Bayelsa State Governor described the Late Graham-Douglas as a foremost nationalist and cultural icon.
He stated that Graham-Douglas belonged to “the pantheon of the Ijaw elite that made the ethnic group proud”.
The Bayelsa Chief Executive also noted that the former four-time Minister and exceptional politician would be greatly missed for his frankness, forthrightness and fatherly disposition.
He urged the family to take solace in the fact that the late elder statesman lived “a fulfilled and accomplished life that impacted on not only those whose path crossed with his, but indeed the whole of Ijaw nation and Nigeria”.
Tonye Graham-Douglas died a week ago in Abuja at the age of 82.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa