Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Audu Ogbeh, describing him as a rare statesman and intellectual powerhouse whose influence in government was profound yet understated.
Speaking on Monday at a night of tributes held in Ogbeh’s honor at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Ngige said the late politician’s brilliance often left colleagues in awe.
“People underrated Audu because he is slim and soft-spoken,” Ngige said. “They think I’m the warrior because I have a beard and raise my voice. But when Audu speaks, his clarity and depth are unmatched.”
Ngige recalled how Ogbeh’s contributions during Federal Executive Council meetings left even senior officials—including former Secretaries to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and Boss Mustapha—seeking him out for further explanations.
“After council meetings, they would go to his office to ask him to repeat everything. His speed and knowledge were overwhelming,” he said.
Calling him a “precious gem,” Ngige said Nigeria had lost a man of eloquence, brilliance, and immense knowledge.
In a reflective close, he imagined Ogbeh reuniting with departed national icons. “Audu, you are already there with Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo and the rest. Lecture them a little but tell them things are still bad in Nigeria, even if not worse,” Ngige said.
Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-Minister of Agriculture, passed away recently at the age of 78.
