Wabara, Ohuabunwa sad
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has described the death of Professor (Sir) Joe Ogbonnaya Irukwu, former President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo as “sad and weakening.”
Professor Irukwu died Sunday at the age of 89.
Senator Abaribe in a statement in Abuja by his Media Adviser Uchenna Awom, expressed grief over the exit of the late elder statesman, saying that “Ndigbo have lost one of their best.”
The former Abia Deputy Governor said Professor Irukwu brought panache and candour in the leadership of Ohanaeze when he held sway as Ohanaeze President “being an erudite scholar, a consummate professional and world acclaimed Insurance guru.”
The statement made available to Ikengaonline read in part: “His death coming shortly after the death of immediate past President of Ohanaeze, Prof. George Obiozor he said, has further depleted the ranks of very committed elders of Ndigbo in the struggle to sustain our people’s rightful place in the Nigeria project.
“Though Sir Irukwu died at a relatively ripe age of 89years, we shall yet miss his leadership and wise counsel at this difficult times for the Igbo race nay Nigeria. I will nonetheless advise that we persevere and remain focused in pursuing that which is right for our people as a befitting memorial for the soul of the departed,” Abaribe said.
Senator Abaribe therefore, condoled Irukwu’s family, Ndigbo, as well the Government and people of Abia State on this irreparable loss.
Meanwhile, former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara; and former Leader ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, have also expressed grief over the demise of the former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor Joe Irukwu.
Wabara who spoke with Ikengaonline, said he was saddened by the news of the death of Professor Irukwu.
He said that Irukwu’s exit was a devastating blow to the Igbo nation.
The former Senate President said that Irukwu played major role in the advancement of Igbo cause.
On his part, Senator Ohuabunwa in a condolence message described the death of Irukwu as the exit of an icon and an irreplaceable loss.
Ohuabunwa who said Irukwu was an illustrious son of Abia North noted that his exit had created a big vacuum in Igboland.
He condoled with the members of his immediate family, Item community and the entire people of Abia State.
“I was saddened to hear of the departure of our icon and great patriot whose immense contributions in different fields of endeavour had brought great development to Igboland, and Nigeria in general.
“De Ogbo, your exit marks and end of a glorious era. Your legacies will continue to live after you ,” Ohuabunwa lamented.
Senator Ohuabunwa prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased in the bosom of the Lord.
