Prof. Tam David-West is dead

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

The President’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Monday.

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

He commiserated with the David-West’s family, the people of Buguma, Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers State, the academia, and all those who loved “the forthright Tam David-West.”

The President prayed that God would rest the soul of the committed nationalist, urging all those who believed in the ideals he espoused to approximate same for the betterment of Nigeria and humanity in general.

Tam Tamunoemi Solaris 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.

A family source on Monday gave a hint as to how a former Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Prof Tam David-West, died at a private suite at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State.

The source who pleaded anonymity said the octogenarian died around 11:05 am, Monday after spending about 11 days at the private suite of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan at age 83.

He added that the deceased was rushed to the hospital when he suddenly fell sick but did not disclose the cause of death.

As at the time of filing this report, the source said the children of the deceased, who mostly reside in Rivers state had been contacted and are already on the way to Ibadan, the Oyo state capital city.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of UCH, Mr. Toye Akinrinlola, who confirmed the death also gave the time the deceased breath his last to be around 11am, Monday.

He also declined comments on the cause or situation that led to the death of the deceased.

Professor David-West 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.
-Nation