Tony Adibe
The South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, on Friday, mourned the demise of Prof. George Obiozor, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
NewsBits recalls that this the first time the President General of the highest Igbo socio-cultural association, Ohanaeze Ndigbo would die while still in office.
“To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time,” remarked the Ohanaeze’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia during a telephone chat with NewsBits. However, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma had on Wednesday night confirmed the demise of Prof Obiozor in a statement.
But the traditional rulers’ reaction is contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the Council, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, in Enugu. Agubuzu, who is also the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, described Obiozor as a man that stood for peace, justice and fairness to all irrespective of tribe, creed and political affiliation.
He said that Obiozor lived his entire life in the service of our great country, Nigeria, with passion and excellence in many capacities, especially as Ambassador Plenipotenciary to the United States of America and to the State of Israel.
Agubuzu said: “His drive for justice, equity and fairness as condition precedent for the continued corporate existence, progress and development of Nigeria compelled him to assume the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo in the last two years of his life.
“As an outspoken and courageous man of openness and frankness, Ambassador Obiozor was one Nigerian you always knew where he stood on national issues.
“His demise at this critical junctures of the political evolution of Nigeria, is a huge loss to the whole country, and particularly to the Igbo nation, to the Government and people of Imo State and to his family.”
Agubuzu prayed for God Almighty to give all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and “may his soul rest in peace”.
