Governors of the All Progressives Congress have described the death of Prince Abubakar Audu, the party’s governorship candidate in Kogi State elections, as one of the most tragic anti-climax in contemporary Nigerian politics.
The governors, under the aegis of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), expressed shock over the death, recognising Audu’s consistency in pursuing the greater good for the people of Kogi State.
A statement issued on Monday by the acting PGF Communication Officer, Esohe Eboigbe, said that the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, noted Prince Audu’s role in the campaign for the creation of Kogi State for which he was duly recognised in November 1991 when he was elected as the first civilian governor of the state but had his tenure cut short by military intervention in 1993.
The statement said his efforts were, however, rewarded again at the return of democratic rule in 1999 as Kogi people returned him with a fresh mandate.
The statement added: “At every opportunity to serve his people, Prince Audu had always put his hands to the plough. A few of Prince Audu’s landmark legacies include the Kogi State Government House, Kogi State University, Kogi State Polytechnic, Kogi State Television, Radio and Newspaper outfits, Kogi State Stadium, hundreds of rural electrification and water projects, Beach Confluence Hotel, 3 major housing estates, attraction of major industrial concerns to Kogi State and the transformation of Lokoja into a modern state capital”.
The governors sent their condolence to his family, the good people of Kogi State, leaders, members of the APC all over the world and all lovers of democracy.
“In death, we celebrate a great son of Kogi State and Nigeria. As Progressive Governors, we remain resolute and shall stand by the family of Prince Audu, the defiantly progressive people of Kogi State and Nigeria and our reliant leaders of APC at all levels to consummate the electoral victory of APC in Kogi State”.
