Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has received the news of the demise of elder statesman, Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas, with profound sadness.
Governor Wike, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said Rivers State has lost one of its worthiest sons.
The governor noted that Graham Douglas’ service to Rivers State as a Commissioner, and the nation as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture: Minister of Aviation and Minister of Labour and Productivity, was exceptional.
“It is with profound sadness that I received the news that Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas is no more. His death is indisputably the passing of an era. He was a colossus in public life, he served our dear Rivers State and the nation with the spirit of patriotism. The State has lost one of its worthiest sons.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Rivers State, I express my profound condolences to the Graham Douglas family and all those who mourn his passing.”
Governor Wike further added that Graham Douglas’ genuine warmth and affection for Rivers State and his enduring legacy of peace will always be remembered.
Similarly, the 2015 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside says the demise of elder statesman and nationalist, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas is a big blow to Nigeria, Rivers State and the Ijaw Nation.
According to him, the late former federal minister was part of the generation that envisioned a glorious and prosperous Rivers State.
Recalling his numerous encounters with the deceased, the immediate past DG of NIMASA described Alabo Graham-Douglas as a man of principles, who sought the best for Rivers and Nigeria at large.
“He believed in and championed the cause of Rivers State, he is a great statesman in words and in deeds; he was a rallying point for anything progressive and development-driven.
“I am proud of his accomplishments and what he represented, his house was always open for us as his adopted children and we benefited immensely from his deep insights on topical issues.
“He was always concerned about the state of affairs in Rivers State and would always offers support to causes that can expand frontiers of development,” he stated.
Peterside condoled with his immediate family, Akuku-Toru LGA, the Government and People of Rivers State and the Federal Government of Nigeria over his death.
