Senators Dino Melaye and Adams Oshiomhole were among the dignitaries who gathered in Abuja on Sunday for the evening of tributes in honour of the late Cairo Ojuogboh.
Ojuogboh, a former member of the House of Representatives, died on February 7, while watching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals between Nigeria and South Africa.
Chairman of the organising committee, a former governor of Borno State Ali Modu Sheriff said: “I’m still shocked that Ojuogboh is no more. If there was a perfect gentleman I met in the course of my life is Ojuogboh.
“He was one person you could trust and rely on. This was a gentleman I met in the course of my political career and he gave me really, an insight of Nigeria.”
Chairman of the occasion, Victor Attah, a former governor of Akwa Ibom, prayed God to comfort the family of the deceased.
Elder statesman and leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Edwin Clark, who spoke virtually, said Ojuogboh was like a son to him.
“He was very dedicated and faithful. Ojuogboh was very dear to me. Ojuogboh played a leading role during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration,” he said.
Melaye described the deceased as detribalised, very civil, principled and sociable.
“His relationship cut across political divide because Ojuogboh was one of the very few APC people that will have something to do and I will attend,” he said.
Family announces burial plans for ex-Reps member Cairo Ojougboh
Oshiomhole said the deceased was a friend of all across party divide, a man for all and a very sociable and amiable person.
“To the family of our departed brother, you have every reason to be proud because he made good impact in the lives of many people,” he said.
On his part, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa) said that Ojuogboh was a very loyal man and faithful to friendship.
Speaking also, Ojuogboh’s widow Ruth said: “My beloved husband lived a life marked by love, strength and unwavering faith. He was indeed a warrior who faced life challenges with courage and resilience.
“Though we mourn his loss, we rejoice in the assurance that he now rests in eternal peace.”
