18th June, 2013
JETHRO IBILEKE/Benin
Deputy Senate President in Nigeria’s Third Republic, Senator Albert Legogie, is dead. He was aged 76.
Legogie who represented Edo North Senatorial District during the ill-fated Babangida transition programmes, was a pioneer member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.
First son of the late Senator, Victor Legogie who confirmed the death of his father, said “he suffered malaria and was taken to the hospital,” adding that he later recovered and was taken home.
“In fact, he was doing well. But later he was ill again and we rushed him back to the hospital and unfortunately, he died at the hospital.
“As you know, my dad was a man of many parts, so we have to inform the National Assembly and the state government before we will be able to fix date for his burial. We are consulting with a lot of people. We never expected this, it is shocking to us,” he said.
Asked why his late father stayed away from politics before his death, Victor said “it is not as if he has not been playing politics, it is just that he has been at the back ground mentoring people. My Dad mentored a lot of politicians. He believed that the younger ones should be given opportunity to take over power. That was his philosophy and that was why he decided to be at the back ground.”
Meanwhile Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has described Legogie, as a true democrat who gave his all for the growth of Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, Comrade Oshiomhole said “news of the death of Senator Albert Legogie came to me as a rude shock. I offer my personal commiserations and the condolence of the people and government of Edo State on this sad loss.
“His death is a great loss not only to his family, but also to the people of Edo State whom he served so devotedly culminating in his emergence as Deputy Senate President in the Third Republic.
“As an elder statesman, Senator Legogie refused to be constrained by political differences as he willingly offered his advice on ways to move our dear state forward.
“His death has robbed our State and indeed the nation of a true democrat who gave his all for the enthronement of true democracy in the country. As a democrat who believes in the welfare of the people and the sanctity of the ballot box, Legogie was at the forefront in the struggle for democracy in the post-military Nigeria and was part of those who gave teeth to the democratic process.
Also responding to the death of Legogie, the member representing Etsako Central local Government in the State Assembly, Hon. Johnson Oghuma, expressed shock at the death of the former Deputy Senate President, describing him as a gentleman.
He said Legogie’s contribution to national development would remain indelible, “He would be remembered for making political sacrifice for Nigeria even when he had the opportunity to aspire higher, his community leaders that will be missed by all.”