Breaking: Prof Tam David West Former Petroleum Minister Dies At 83yrs

Prof. Tamunoemi Sokari David-West

The consultant virologist of national and international standing, also lecturer of  University of Ibadan for decades, Professor Tamunoemi Sokari David-West is dead.

The former Petroleum Minister was aged 83.

The news of his transition was made known in a tribute by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The late Professor was a Petroleum minister as at when Buhari was military head of state between 1984 and 1985, at a time oil prices slumped to about $10 a barrel. David-West and his boss came up with a policy of 'counter-trade', to sell Nigeria's oil.

President Muhammadu Buhari expressed deep sorrow at the death of his ally and friend, a man he usually called "the indomitable Tam David-West."

"He had an indomitable spirit, stood resolutely by whatever he believed in, and was in a class of his own," said President Buhari of the academic, author of many books, and social critic.

He 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."

President Buhari prayed that God will rest the soul of the committed nationalist, urging all those who believe in the ideals he puts together to do same, for the betterment of Nigeria, and humanity in general.

Before he became a Federal minister in 1984, David-West served as Commissioner of Education in the old River State. He also served as Minister of Mines, Power and Steel under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida regime.