Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. BossMustapha, Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu, and African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), have expressed shock at the death of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Barkindo.
He was 63.
In his Twitter handle on Wednesday, Atiku described the late Barkindo as “a worthy ambassador of Nigeria who left indelible marks in his service to the nation and OPEC”.
The ex-VP added: “He was indeed a worthy ambassador of Nigeria. He died in active service, having delivered a speech at the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja and held a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari hours before his passing away.
“He was my very good friend, and he will be sorely missed.”
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, Speaker Gbajabiamila said the late Barkindo creditably represented Nigeria on the international scene
He noted that the late OPEC boss exhibited patriotic disposition that was second to none.
The Speaker described Barkindo’s period at OPEC as one of the most momentous in the history of the organisation.
Mustapha, in a statement yesterday in Abuja by the Director of Information in the Office of the SGF, Mr. Willie Bassey, said Barkindo’s death was not only a loss to Nigeria but also to the entire global oil industry.
In a condolence message, Kalu wrote: “The deceased was an accomplished Nigerian, who served in various capacities in the oil and gas industry at the national and international levels.
“He played remarkable roles in promoting good relationship between OPEC and non-OPEC members.
“The late Barkindo carved a niche for himself in various endeavours.”
APPO condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement by the organisation’s Secretary General, Omar Ibrahim.
“Barkindo succeeded in raising the profile of OPEC as stabiliser of the global energy market at the most volatile periods in the organisation’s history,” the Brazzaville-based organisation wrote.
