Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lauretta Onochie, former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, have expressed sadness over the death of Cairo Ojougboh.
Ojougboh, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), died watching the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.
The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, was said to have suffered a heart attack during the match between Nigeria and South Africa.
Reacting to the development on Thursday, Atiku wrote on X: “The sudden passing of my close friend, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, deeply saddens me. 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.
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“As we mourn, let us remember the passion and zeal for Nigeria that defined his life. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Onochie also wrote on X: “We were told that as when a penalty kick was awarded against Nigeria during the AFCON match with South Africa during Wednesday’s semi-final clash in Bouake, Ivory Coast, he slumped and passed on. Rest In Peace, Dear Brother.”
The bereaved family had yet to issue a statement announcing his death as of press time.
