Former minister of petroleum, Tam David-West, has died at age 83, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV reports that David-West was a consultant virologist and lecturer at the University of Ibadan for many years.
In a statement on Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed sorrow at the passing of his ally whom he called “the indomitable Tam David-West.
”David-West was petroleum minister when Buhari was the military head of state between 1984 and 1985 when oil prices slumped to about $10 a barrel.
Before his ministerial appointment, he served as commissioner of education in the old Rivers State. He was also minister of mines, power and steel under former dictator, Ibrahim Babangida.
“He had an indomitable spirit, stood resolutely by whatever he believed in, and was in a class of his own,” Buhari said of David-West.
The President condoled with the deceased’s family, the people of Buguma, Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers State, the academia, and all those who loved David-West.
Buhari prayed for eternal rest for the deceased’s soul, urging all who believe in David-West’s ideals to approximate same for the betterment of Nigeria, and humanity in general.
