JUST IN: PDP chieftain, Ojo Maduekwe is dead

Former Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, is dead.

The ebullient politician, lawyer and activist died in Abuja on Wednesday at the age of 71.

It was gathered that Chief MAduekwe had returned same day from the United State of America hale and hearty when he landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, but developed breathing difficulties moments after.

He was said to have been immediately rushed to the Airport Clinic within the vicinity.

At the Clinic, he was said to have been transferred in an ambulance to the General Hospital for proper medical attention.  But when his condition did not improve, it was gathered that he was referred to the Turkish Hospital in Abuja where he later gave up the ghost.

The late Maduekwe was a known close associate of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was National Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in 2005, and until his death, he was Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the party. He also served as the nation’s Transportation and Foreign Affairs minister.

Chief Ojo Maduekwe, in his lifetime was famous for policy on bicycle riding among Nigeria as an alternative to automobile, which he believed would take Nigerians from the yoke of incessant fuel scarcity then.

Born on 6th May, 1945.

He hailed from Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. He bagged LL.B Hons from the University of Nigeria (UNN) in 1972.

Maduekwe was variously Federal Minister of different ministries (Transport) (2000-2003), Culture & Tourism (1999-2000), Foreign Affairs (2008-2010).

He has also held various positions including Legal and Constitutional Adviser to President (2003-2005), Member, National Assembly (Second Republic), Member, Constituent Assembly (1978-1979), Member, National Constitutional Conference (1994-1995), Adviser to Social Democratic Party (SDP) Chairman (1990-1992), Adviser to Minister of Foreign Affairs (1993-1995), Member, National Boundaries Adjustment Commission (1997 -1998) and was an Elected Senator.