Lawan describes the sudden death of Barkindo, who was to conclude his second term at OPEC at the end of July, as tragic.
He describes Barkindo’s leadership of the global oil cartel as exemplary, noting that the deceased worked assiduously to build cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC countries to save the energy market at a time of a global crisis.
Lawan says Barkindo’s pragmatic approach and hard work at the critical time brought stability to the volatile oil market.
The Senate President says Barkindo’s stewardship at OPEC made him a pride for Nigeria and Africa, adding that his death is a monumental loss to Nigeria, the world and particularly to the global energy community.
Lawan said, “The news of the tragic death of OPEC Secretary-General, Mohammed Barkindo, came to me as a rude shock. Barkindo’s exemplary leadership at the global oil cartel brought stability to the ever volatile oil market.
“The world will remember him for how he was able to rally both the OPEC and non-OPEC members together to save the energy market. The world will miss him and particularly the global energy community.”
The Senate President also condoles with the Government and people of Adamawa State over the great loss and prayed that Allah to forgive the sins of the departed and accept his soul into Aljannah Firdaus.
According to the Group Managing Director of the NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, Barkindo died on Tuesday night and was said to be buried on Wednesday in his hometown in Yola, Adamawa state.
Earlier on Tuesday, he met with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd.), during which he announced that his six-year tenure as OPEC scribe was coming to an end.
