* Uzodinma mourns demise of ‘political juggernaut’
Imo State-born politician, Senator Arthur Nzeribe, has been reported dead at the age of 83 years.
Nzeribe, who was critically ill for sometimes, reportedly died on Thursday.
The late politician, who represented Imo West at the National Assembly, was the longest serving Senator from the State.
A statement by Ojiabu Francis Nzeribe and Anthony Akpati Nzeribe for the family, confirmed his demise.
It reads: “Umudei royal village of Oguta in total submission to the will of God Almighty and in appreciation of the remarkably worthy life hereby announces the death of our son, cousin, uncle, husband, father and grandfather, distinguished Senator, Chief Francis Arthur Uzoma Nzeribe (Oguagu) on the 5th day May, 2022 at the age of 83.
“While we are pained by this loss, we are proud of this African Legend, who distinguished himself in various fields including sports, international business, politics and, gave the Nzeribe brand worldwide acclaim.”
The statement said the family had commenced the necessary traditional consultations and will in due course release a programme for his funeral rites.
At 22, Nzeribe hit a mega fortune, becoming a major player in the nation’s financial sector.
Providence smiled on him and he became powerful and influential in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma, has expressed sadness over Nzeribe’s death, describing it as a big loss to the State and Nigeria as a whole.
This is contained in a statement by the Governor’s Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku on Sunday.
Nwachuku said Nzeribe “will forever be remembered as a political juggernaut in Nigeria.“His death has robbed Imo and Nigeria of a seasoned politician and business icon, and died when his fatherly and statesmanly advice were badly needed,” he said.
The governor commiserated with the family members of Sen Nzeribe, the people of Oguta, where he hails from, his political and business associates, friends and well wishers on his passing, urging them to pray for the deceased’s soul.
He said the death was a personal loss to his family, the government and people of Imo and prayed God to grant the deceased a peaceful repose.
Nzeribe represented Imo West senatorial district between October 1983 and December 1983 in the Second Republic on the platform of the Nigeria People’s Party (NPP).
At the return of the third republic he also represented the people of Imo West between May 1999 and May 2007 on the platform of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).