By Adaobi Ike

In a statement made available to Daily Trust in Abuja yesterday, the president’s senior special assistant (Media), Oluremi Oyo, said Obasanjo received the news of Prof. Audu’s death with shock.
According to her, the president said he will miss the wise counsel of the former minister whom he described as not only a trail blazer, but one who contributed to the strengthening of relations between Nigeria and other countries.
As former vice chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, the president noted, Audu worked tirelessly for the growth and development of the institution as well as education in Nigeria.
In a related development, Vice President Atiku Abubakar in his condolence message, said the late Audu would be remembered for his sterling qualities and professional excellence in the field of paediatrics.
Atiku who said he was also shocked by the news of Prof Audu’s death, urged his wife, Mrs. Victoria Audu, to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and positively touched the lives of those who came in contact with him.
“In fact, many of us who have had the privilege of knowing him admired his intelligence, sound judgement and courage,” the vice president said.
Both leaders prayed that God gives the family the fortitude to bear the loss.