This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President.

Buhari described Ocholi’s death as untimely, saying ``Nigeria has lost a key component of the CHANGE agenda.’’

The president maintained that late Ocholi was an accomplished and patriotic Nigerian, who was keen to accept the call to service at a time his country needed him.

Buhari also consoled with the government and people of Kogi, for having lost a distinguished son.

He prayed that God would comfort and grant them the grace to bear the loss.

``The entire country mourns the loss of this great man, who has sadly left us when we need him most’’, he said.

According to the statement, Buhari has sent the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Eng. David Babachir to formally convey the news to members of the deceased family as well as parishioners in his place of worship.

The late Ocholi has had a long record of political association with Buhari.