Former Petroleum Minister, Prof Tam David West dies, Buhari mourns

 

The death has been announced of former Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Professor Tamunoemi Sokari David-West.

Prof David West, 83, was Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum some 34 years ago, under the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari, between 1983 and 1985.

He was a consultant virologist. He served as Commissioner of Education in the old Rivers State and Minister of Mines, Power and Steel under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida regime.

President Buhari in a statement Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja, expressed sadness over the death of the man he described as a “friend and ally.”

“He (David West) had an indomitable spirit, stood resolutely by whatever he believed in, and was in a class of his own.”

The President’s statement read: “Professor Tamunoemi Sokari David-West, 83, was a consultant virologist of national and international standing. He served as Commissioner of Education in the old Rivers State, Minister of Petroleum and Energy under the Muhammadu Buhari military regime, and Minister of Mines, Power and Steel under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida regime.”

The statement recalled that David-West was an academic and author of many books.

President Buhari commiserated with the David-West family, the people of Buguma, Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers State, the academia, and all those who loved ‘the forthright Tam David-West.’