By Ovie Okpare
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue, describing his passing as a significant loss to the Niger Delta and the nation at large.
In a condolence letter addressed to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori, and signed by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, said the organisation received news of Elue’s death with shock and grief.
PANDEF stated that although the late statesman attained the age of 85, he demise at this time remains painful and irreplaceable to the Elue family, Delta and the region at large.
The group described Elue as a man who, during his lifetime, displayed the finest virtues of humanity, marked by integrity, humility, diligence, and deep fear of God. According to PANDEF, his private and public conduct left behind a legacy worthy of emulation.
“During his earthly sojourn, Chief Elue displayed the highest and finest virtues of humankind. In his private and public conduct, he has left behind a legacy of integrity, fear of God, hardwork and diligence.
“While he served as Deputy Governor of Delta State during the tenure of Chief James Ibori, he great bedrock for political stability and dependable support for socio-economic development. His humility and maturity, which he brought into governance, became an exemplar for all of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
“The entire South-South geopolitical zone has indeed lost one of its most illustrious and resourceful citizens”, Igali added in the letter.
The Forum extended its condolences to the family of the late former deputy governor, the people of Aniocha North Local Government Area, and the entire Delta State.
Elue served as Deputy Governor of Delta State during the administration of Chief James Ibori from 1999 to 2007.
