President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former minister of Petroleum Resources Don Etiebet were the early mourners of ex- director of Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC , Dr.Cairo Ojougboh who died on Wednesday night while watching Nigeria Vs South Africa semi final Africa Nations Cup football tournament.
Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the late Cairo Ojougboh “was a shining example of patriotism.”
Dr. Ojougboh, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a former House of Representatives member from Delta State, was said to have slumped and died due to a massive heart attack when South Africa scored the penalty and equalised the match one goal all,on Wednesday night.
“President Tinubu condoles with the Ojougboh family and the government and people of Delta State over this tragic loss.
“While praying for the peaceful repose of the departed, President Tinubu comforts his family and urges them to find strength and hope in God Almighty, who presides over the affairs of men, as well as in the cherished memories and legacy of the late APC chieftain,” a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, a spokesperson to Mr Tinubu stated.
The former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, said in a message posted Thursday on X that he feels deeply saddened by Mr Ojougboh’s passing.
He described the late medical doctor as a “close friend”.
“His love for our country was profound. Cairo was a shining example of patriotism; his dedication to Nigeria was unwavering, and his departure is a personal loss that leaves a void in my heart.
“As we mourn, let us remember the passion and zeal for Nigeria that defined his life. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” said Atiku who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nigeria.
A former minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Don Obot Etiebet has mourned Dr Cairo Ojougboh whom he described as a friend and patriot.
Etiebet, who deliberately had a photoshoot, clad in black attire, on Thursday morning, consequent upon reading about Ojougboh’s death said “It’s not good morning but terrible morning.”
In a statement he sent vis WhatsApp and the elder statesman said “I have just taken this picture now in black to send to you to mourn my dear and patriotic friend, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who died last night watching the Nigeria vs South Africa football match. Very, very sad indeed.
“Cairo had been a very patriotic Nigerian who always wanted the best for Nigeria and he died of patriotism for Nigeria.
“I knew him as a young member of my Party, NCPN, in 1997 and he had always shown that passion, love and zeal for a great Nigeria.
“He left his medical practice to join politics to help shape Nigeria in the direction of greatness and prowess.
“As a member of the House of Representatives, he was outspoken for justice, equity and fairness, which almost turned him into an activist.
“We shall all miss him who knew him. May almighty God grant the family the grace to bear this very unfortunate loss with fortitude.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”