How Tam David-West Died At 83.

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

Accordingly to the nations, a source that 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.

 APC has also joined to mourn Prof Tam David as they recounted his good deeds and how he served the country.

The tweeted via their official Twitter handle @officialAPCng  a statement signed by their National Publicity Secretary,  Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

"The All Progressives Congress (APC) mourns the death of Prof. Tam David-West who served as Minister of Petroleum and Energy and also Minister of Mines, Power and Steel.

Indeed, Nigeria has lost a progressive voice and social critic who spoke truth to power.

An erudite scholar, the late Tam David-West always held our leaders to account on issues of good governance.

We recall his strong advocacy for oil sector reforms, particularly the passage of a mutually-beneficial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), fixing moribund refineries and ending the fuel subsidy racket that was a drainpipe on the country's resources before the advent of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

While the death of the late patriot is painful and a sad loss, we take solace with the fact that he lived an accomplished and impactful life. In death, we remember and celebrate a man who served the country diligently and championed the cause of the poor and underprivileged.

The party condoles with the late Tam David-West family members, friends, colleagues, the people and government of Rivers State. 

We pray the Almighty God gives them the strength to bear the loss.

Other Nigerians will remember him easily as the man that promised change in the petrol pump price of N40 per litre