A former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, spoke candidly on issues of national concern before his death last Saturday.

Chief Ogbeh, an ex-national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died at the age of 78.

In a Daily Trust interview published shortly before his family announced his death, Chief Ogbeh expressed concerns over the future of the country, describing himself as a sad man who “tried” to find happiness.

“Believe me, I am a sad person. I tried to find happiness, but I am scared of the future. I may not be here [alive], I am way over 70, heading to 80, but I don’t like what I smell. It is very depressing,” he said.

The former minister warned that worsening poverty, neglect of agriculture, and the collapse of local government administration are ominous signs for the country.

“Well, I have one wife, five children and eight grandchildren. But I am a rather sad person because I can see dangers ahead,” he said.

“I don’t see why we are hoping that the younger generation would wake up one day and start dancing for joy.

“Each one of those young men is sending money home to his mother, a cousin or sister who believes that they are in Abuja, and therefore, have money.

“But they just don’t have money. And their number is increasing — they are leaving the villages for the cities.

“They arrive in the cities and the conditions are absolutely impossible. And they can’t go back to the village unless there are things that will actually call them back home”, he added.

Chief Ogbeh also weighed in on the clamour for a new constitution for the country, noting that the nation needs good governance instead.

The politician recounted surviving an assassination attempt in 1998, describing his escape as nothing short of a miracle.

“Oh yes, they broke down the door and came in. They had finished their bullets firing all over the place. They shot my guards. They shot me, left me in a pool of blood and went away. This eye nearly fell out.

“My domestic staff who were outside heard them chanting, ‘We don kill am’. They came back at 6am and took me to hospital. My head was very large and I was totally unconscious.

“Somehow, (they) managed me and I recovered. I had to leave the place and come to Abuja here, where Shehu Malami of Sokoto gave me a flat to stay as long as I could. I had no house”, he said.

Chief Ogbeh served as deputy speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly after he joined politics in 1979.

He was PDP National Chairman from 2001 to 2005 and served as agriculture minister between 2015 and 2019.

Chief Ogbeh was a federal Minister of Communications from 1982 to 1983 during the Shehu Shagari administration.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has eulogised the late Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd) as a gallant naval officer whose exemplary life of patriotism and selfless service to Nigeria’s growth and development will forever be remembered.?
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Governor Oyebanji spoke at the final funeral service held for the deceased at St John’s Military Church, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday.

The burial service was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan (represented by his wife Dame Patience Jonathan), Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; first civilian Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George among others.

?Governor Oyebanji described the late Olubolade as one of the most illustrious sons of Ekiti and a very decent politician, noting that the departure of the former Police Affairs Minister will be greatly missed.?
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The Ekiti State Governor eulogised the late military officer’s meritorious service to the Nigerian armed forces, his excellent public service record and his service to his community, the State and to humanity.?
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Governor Oyebanji, on behalf of the Government and people of Ekiti State, condoled with the family and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“As I sat there going through the tributes, especially by the children, they are short but very deep tributes and at a moment like this, there are so many questions we cannot answer. The only thing I commend to you is that you allow God to carry you and He will see you through,” the Governor said.?
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his wife, said the late Olubolade was a gallant Naval Officer who served the country with utmost loyalty.?
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He said the retired Military Administrator left an unforgettable mark in Bayelsa State during his service in the state as well as other positions he held.?
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The Ipoti Ekiti-born late Olubolade died at the age of 71.

The Progressive Group, under the umbrella of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has said it would gladly welcome the Governor of Enugu State, Barr Peter Mbah, a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), into the APC whenever he decides to join the party.

The former State Chairman of the party, Dr Ben Nwoye, made the remarks during the weekend at the Progressive Group’s stakeholders meeting held at Universal Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu.

Dr Nwoye dismissed claims that the suspended state chairman of the APC, Mr Ugo Agbala, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, could block Governor Mbah’s entry into the APC.

He said that the Progressive Group comprises members of APC in Enugu State, some apolitical individuals, and members of other political parties who are progressive-minded and committed to the betterment of the country and Enugu State in particular, would never hesitate to welcome Barr Mbah into APC.

“We are aware of the speculation that Governor Mbah may join the APC, and contrary to rumours, neither Agbala nor Nnaji can stop him. Agbala has been suspended by his ward, and a court order has barred him and nine others from parading themselves as chairman. The minister is equally not in a position to speak for the APC; he’s just a member of the Federal Executive Council,” Dr Nwoye said.

He recalled that President Bola Tinubu, during his visit to Enugu on February 4, urged support for Governor Mbah, regardless of party affiliation.

“One of the motions we passed was to receive Governor Mbah into the APC if he decides to join and to support his re-election bid in 2027, in line with the President’s directive,” Dr Nwoye added.

He also commended President Tinubu for signing into law the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture in Enugu State and appointing an indigene as Chief of Naval Staff.

“The President has made impactful use of subsidy savings in Enugu State. He recently approved the Federal University of Agriculture for the state and earlier appointed an Enugu son as Chief of Naval Staff. Enugu State will reciprocate by supporting his re-election in 2027,” he stated.

He commended Governor Mbah for his quality leadership and inclusive governance and urged him to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.