TheCable

Cairo Ojuogboh, a former member of the house of representatives, is dead.

TheCable understands that Ojuogboh slumped on Wednesday night, while watching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final encounter between Nigeria and South Africa.

A family source told TheCable that the politician collapsed when a penalty was awarded against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in regulation time. He was confirmed dead hours later.

Nigeria would go on to win the game after extra time, in a dramatic penalty shootout, to progress to the final game of the tournament.

Ojougboh represented Ika federal constituency of Delta state in the house of representatives. He was a member of the house of representatives from 2003 to 2007 and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta state.

He was also a former executive director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

President Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, have condoled with the bereaved family.

“President Tinubu condoles with the Ojougboh family and the government and people of Delta State over this tragic loss,” Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, wrote in a statement.

Abubakar said: “The sudden passing of my close friend, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, deeply saddens me. His love for our country was profound”.

“Cairo was a shining example of patriotism; his dedication to Nigeria was unwavering, and his departure is a personal loss that leaves a void in my heart,” he added.

“As we mourn, let us remember the passion and zeal for Nigeria that defined his life. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”