Nigeria's First Republic politician, Mbu, dies at 82 - A Nigerian elder statesman and First Republic politician, Chief Matthew Tawo Mbu, has died at the age of 82, the local media reported Monday, quoting Mbu's family.

Popular known as MT Mbu, he reportedly died in a London hospital on Monday.

A lawyer, politician and diplomat, Mbu served Nigeria in different capacities, including as government minister and ambassador. He also served in parliament.

Said to be the youngest minister ever when he was appointed the Minister of Labour and Productivity at the age of 23 in 1953, he was also the first ever Nigerian Ambassador to the UK, first ever Nigerian chief representative to the US and  first ever Chief Representative to the UN.

Mbu, who was educated in Nigeria and the UK, also served as Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Defence (Navy).

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has described Mbu as a nationalist and globalist.

“He was an icon of the legal profession and the Diplomatic Corps, who served Nigeria selflessly as a Minister; as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and in several other capacities,” a statement by presidential spokesman Reuben Abati quoted President Jonathan as saying.

Pana 07/02/2012