26th April, 2022
President Muhammadu Buhari said Chief Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, who held several portfolios as minister, left a legacy of distinguished service to the nation.
Buhari said this in his condolence message to the Graham Douglas family and the government of Rivers State.
He passed away in Abuja on Monday, April 25th, 2022 at the age of 83.
President Buhari in a statement by Femi Adesina sympathised with the Government and people of Rivers State over the loss of the politician.
Buhari described Douglas as a political stalwart, democrat and administrator.
Douglas was at different times Minister of Aviation, Minister of Labour and Productivity, and Minister of Tourism.
“The President notes the historic roles Alabo Graham-Douglas played in entrenching democratic rule and a liberal culture, joining well meaning Nigerians and global leaders to stand and speak for justice and fairness, while promoting grassroots development among his people.
“President Buhari believes the investments of the departed in people and building of institutions will be remembered by posterity.
Graham-Douglas public service began in 1986 when he became Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Culture in the Rivers State.
In 1989, the military government of Ibrahim Babangida appointed him Federal Minister for Social Development, Youths and Sports.
Later, he became minister of Petroleum Affairs.
In 1992, Graham-Douglas became chairman of the Southern Minorities Movement, one of the groups that eventually merged into the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He was a candidate in the PDP primaries for the presidential nomination in 1998, losing to Olusegun Obasanjo, who went on to become president.