Tam David-West, a professor of virology and former petroleum minister, has died at 83.
A family source, who confirmed his passing, said he he died on Monday, November 11, 2019.
Tamunoemi Sokari David-West 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 General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.
He authored several books and was a staunch supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari’s return to office as a democratically elected president.
In a swift reaction, President Muhammadu Buhari has voiced deep sorrow at the passage of his ally and friend.
In a statement issued by his Femi Adesina, one of the president’s spokesperson, Buhari said the man he usually calls “the indomitable Tam David-West” had an indomitable spirit, stood resolutely by whatever he believed in, and was in a class of his own.
