Obi, Atiku, Kalu mourn Late Ohanaeze PG Obiozor

Some prominent Nigerian politicians have expressed sadness over the demise of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor.

Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma had announced the death of Prof Obiozor on Wednesday.

The late diplomat who was the 10th president-general of the apex Igbo sociocultural body died at 80. 

He was elected Ohanaeze’s president general on January 9, 2021 to succeed Nnia Nwodo who exited the office after the expiration of his four-year tenure.

The late Obiozor hailed from Awo-Omamma in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that among the mourners are Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi; his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party Atiku Abubakar and Senate Whip Orji Uzor Kalu.

Obi has described Obiozor’s demise as a great loss to Nigeria.

“Prof. Obiozor was a patriot, renowned academic and diplomat, who served Nigeria and Ohanaeze selflessly and diligently.

“He was witty, well-heeled in history and effusive in his personal charm and warmth.

“The death of this foremost Igbo leader is a huge loss to the entire Obiozor family, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Nigerians in general,” Obi said in a statement.

In his own message Abubakar said he received the news of Obiozor’s death with rude shock.

Abubakar said Obiozor’s passing was “the fall of an Iroko”.

He described late Obiozor as a charismatic personality, who was much at home in any part of Nigeria.

“He was a consummate diplomat who believed in consensus, and had a stabilising influence.

“His wide experience in diplomatic foreign missions garnered over decades and across diverse postings, came in very handy in making him a pan-Nigerian,” the PDP presidential candidate said.

Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu, also paid his tribute to Mr Obiozor on Thursday. 

He said the late Igbo leader was a rallying point for his contemporaries and the younger generation, many of whom sought counsel and advice from him.

“His wise counsel and intellectual contributions to global discourse will be greatly missed.

“It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the demise of President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor,” said the former Abia governor.

The mourners prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed while also wishing the family and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.