The Ijaw Elders Forum (IEF) on Saturday in Yenagoa commiserated with the family of Alabo Graham-Douglas, who passed away on April 25, at the age of 83 years.

Born on May 8, 1939, Mr Graham-Douglas was at one time or another Minister’s of Aviation, Tourism, Labour and Productivity and Youths, Sports and Culture in different federal administrations.

He was Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture as well as Minister of Aviation between 1989 and 1992 during the military dispensation of retired General Ibrahim Babangida.

He also served as Minister of Labour and Productivity and Minister of Culture and Tourism between 1999 and 2000 in the civilian government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

In a condolence message to his family, IEF chairman, Chief Bukazi Etete, noted that Graham-Douglas was a patriot and nationalist who served Nigeria with enthusiasm and with exceptional commitment.

“The Ijaw Elders Forum commiserates with the family of late Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas.

“The people of Kalabari Kingdom; the Ijaw Nation; the government and people of Rivers and the Federal Republic of Nigeria also commiserate with the family on the passing unto eternity of a great Ijaw icon.

“We mourn this great leader of men and a nation builder. He was an elder statesman that strived for the emancipation of the Ijaw in Nigeria.

“He attained great heights as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of several ministries.

“He will be greatly missed for his candour and amiable disposition to issues of nation building. May God comfort his loved ones and admirers,” Mr Etete stated.

(NAN)