ATIKU MOURNS OBIOZOR AND DECLARES THAT AN IROKO HAS DIED.

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, paid tribute to Prof. George Obiozor, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Thursday.

In a statement personally signed by him in Abuja, the former Vice President stated he was shocked to learn of Prof. Obiozor’s death.

Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma announced the death on Wednesday in Owerri.

Abubakar condoled with the entire body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the South-East region of the Nigeria, and the country as a whole over “the fall of an Iroko”.

He called the late former Nigerian ambassador to various foreign missions’ death as a major loss for the country.

He described late Obiozor as a captivating personality who could fit in wherever in Nigeria.

“He was a superb diplomat who believed in consensus and was a stabilizing force.

“His extensive experience in diplomatic foreign missions spanning decades and different postings served him well in becoming a pan-Nigerian.

“Prof. Obiozor taught us the meaning of generosity since he was embraced even by those who did not support his candidacy during the election that resulted in his election as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“He was a political consensus master. A writer well known for his ‘politics of precarious balance,’ in which he advocated for balancing the country’s different interests.

“He was an advocate for national unity. He will be missed by the Igbo people. “The entire country will miss him.”

Abubakar prayed for the deceased’s soul to rest in peace and for his immediate family to be strong enough to bear the loss of its father (NAN)