Lagos – One-time Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, says the party and the country have lost a gem with the death of Chief Ojo Maduekwe.

George spoke in Lagos as tributes poured in for the late politician and ex-minister who died at 71 on Wednesday in Abuja.

LATE OJO MADUEKWE

Maduekwe, who was Secretary, Board of Trustees of the PDP, served at various times as Minister of Culture and Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Transport.

Reacting to news of his death, George said that he was still in a state of shock.

“I am still in a state of shock. Ojo and I are of the same age and we have worked together severally.

“But having said that, you know God is the ultimate; man can propose, but God disposes.

“We have lost a gem, a politician, a committed democrat and a man of all seasons. I feel for his family and I pray that God will grant him eternal rest and give him merciful judgment.

“I know the role Maduekwe played since this unnecessary turbulence in the party. We will miss him greatly, especially his experience and strategic thinking,” he said.

George prayed God to grant the family and the PDP the fortitude to bear the loss.

Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, a former Minister of Works, said the late Maduekwe was a perfect gentleman and party faithful.
He prayed that his gentle soul would rest in peace.

The Founder of the O’odua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Fredrick Fasheun, said that Maduekwe elevated Nigeria’s image abroad as a foreign minister.

He described Maduekwe as a fine foreign minister who took Nigeria’s image to a desirable level.

“Maduekwe was a decent and erudite foreign minister who was speaking to foreign powers at par.

“He showed that he was not a pushover and justified his background as a product of the Kings College, Lagos.”

Fasehun said that Maduekwe was an unbiased politician who was not influenced by ethnicity.

“Nigeria will miss him. We sympathise with members of his family and pray that God in his infinite mercy will admit him in heaven,” Fasehun said.