Tam David-West Dies At 83, Buhari Mourns

Ex-minister of petroleum and consultant virologist, Prof Tam David-West, is dead.

He died a few hours ago at the age of 83.

David-West, who was also an ex-commissioner for Education was at a point in his life was also the minister of Mines, Power and Steel under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed “deep sorrow” over the death of Prof Tam David-West.

State House statement conveying the President’s condolence, reads, partly, “Professor Tamunoemi Sokari David-West, 83, was a consultant virologist of national and international standing. He served as Commissioner of Education in the old Rivers State, Minister of Petroleum and Energy under the Muhammadu Buhari military regime, and Minister of Mines, Power and Steel under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida regime.”

It quoted Buhari as saying, “He had an indomitable spirit, stood resolutely by whatever he believed in, and was in a class of his own.

The statement, which was signed by the President’s media aide, Mr. Femi Adesina, commiserates with the David-West family and the people of Buguma.

“He commiserates with the David-West family, the people of Buguma, Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers State, the academia, and all those who loved ‘the forthright Tam David-West.’

“President Buhari prays that God will rest the soul of the committed nationalist, urging all those who believe in the ideals he espoused to approximate the same, for the betterment of Nigeria, and humanity in general,” it added.