Buhari Mourns as Ex-minister, Tam David-West Dies at 83

It is a sad day for the Niger Delta and Muhammadu Buhari as Tam David-West, the president’s long-standing ally, and former petroleum minister died on Monday at age 83.

The death of David-West, a die-hard Buhari supporter, was confirmed by Femi Adesina, the president’s spokesperson.

According to the presidential statement, Buhari expressed deep sorrow at the passage David-West, who he described as ‘indomitable’ and friend.

Buhari also described the late David-West as a committed nationalist, just as he urged other Nigerians to emulate him for the benefit of the country.

“He had an indomitable spirit, stood resolutely by whatever he believed in, and was in a class of his own,” President Buhari said concerning the late David-West.

While commiserating with the David-West family, the people of Buguma, Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers state, the academia, and all those who loved the former minister, Buhari prayed that God should rest his soul.

Professor Tamunoemi Sokari David-West, 83, was a world-acclaimed consultant virologist, who served a commissioner of education in the old Rivers State.

He later served the country as minister of petroleum and energy under the Muhammadu Buhari military regime.

He further served as minister of mines, power, and steel under the General Ibrahim Babangida regime.