Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Governor David Umahi has condoled with the Obiozor family, the people of Imo State, the Igbo nation and Nigeria in general over the death of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor.
He said Obiozor’s death hit him with a rude shock and surprise, describing it as a great national loss.
He stated this in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Chooks Oko.
Umahi stressed that the demise of the elder statesman has created a huge vacuum difficult to fill in the affairs of the South-East in particular, and Nigerian nation as a whole.
“I received news of the death of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor, with rude shock and a feeling of great loss.
“I wouldn’t have believed the news had it not been confirmed by my dear brother and Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma.
“Obiozor’s death has created a big vacuum, not only in Igbo nation but in the entire country.
“He was a strong voice in the promotion of peace in the country through his consistent advocacy for equity, justice and fairness across all segments. He was a strong voice in international politics, and served Nigeria meritoriously as an ambassador and Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
“It is sad that he had to leave when we desired his fatherly counsel the most.
The Governor urged the family, the entire Igbo nation and Nigerians in general to take solace in God who has the prerogative to determine the fate of all men.
Obiozor’s death has left vacuum in Igbo leadership structure – ADF
Meanwhile, the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) has said that late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof George Obiozor’s death has left a vacuum in Igbo leadership structure.
The group stated this in a statement by its General Secretary, Abia Onyike.
The group described Prof Obiozor as a quintessential diplomatic and brilliant political scientist who made his mark in his chosen field of human endeavour.
“He was one of those who worked tirelessly for the establishment of Nigerian foreign policy instruments.
“An accomplished academic, scholar and technocrat he headed an important national foreign policy think-tank as the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and was at different times Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Israel and Cyprus,” the statement said.
Mr Onyike noted that in spite of man-made obstacles and the complicated nature of contemporary Igbo politics, Prof Obiozor did his best to steer the ship of the apex pan-Igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“We regret his sudden passage though he attained the age of 80 years of age. With his death, a vacuum has been created in the Igbo leadership structure. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
Obiazor, a great loss to Ndigbo – Ohanaeze
Ebonyi State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo described the death of Prof Obiozor as unfortunate and great loss to the Igbo Nation.
State President of Ohanaeze, Peter Mbam, stated this in a reaction to Professor Obiozor’s death.
Mr. Mbam noted that Prof. Obiozor died at a time he was needed most by Ndigbo in particular and the country in general.
“It is a terrible news. Igbo nation has lost a great asset, a diplomatic, experienced and patriotic Nigerian,”Mr Mbam said.
He further described the death as unfortunate and urged Ndigbo to be consoled.
“He contributed his quota to the growth of the nation as a former Ambassador and will be greatly missed,” Mbam said.
