Francis Arthur Nzeribe, the man who contributed so much to the political crisis that led to the annulment of June 12, 1993, Presidential election is dead.
The maverick politician reportedly died on Thursday aged 83.
On June 10, 1993, Nzeribe tried to stop the June 12 election, relying on a court order that his group, Association for Better Nigeria, got from a midnight ruling from late Justice Bassey Ikpeme of an Abuja High Court. ABN was known to be pro-Ibrahim Babangida, then military President.
The family had confirmed the death of the politician in a statement titled, ‘Our mighty Iroko has fallen: Senator Chief Francis is dead.’
The statement was signed by Ojiabu Nzeribe, Anthony Nzeribe, and Oliver Nzeribe on behalf of the Nzeribe Royal Family.
It read, “Umudei Royal Village of Oguta in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, in total submission to the will of God Almighty and in appreciation of a remarkably worthy life hereby announces the death of our son, cousin, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather, Distinguished Senator, Chief Francis Arthur Uzoma Nzeribe (Ogbuagu, Oshiji, Damarae Oyirrba of Oguta) on the 5th day of 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, and politics and gave the Nzeribe brand worldwide acclaim.
“The family has immediately commenced the necessary traditional consultations and will in due course release a programme for funeral rites.
“We appeal to the public to respect the privacy of the family and the solemnity of this event to enable us to grieve in peace.”
Hope Uzodinma, Imo State governor, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, said the nation would miss the deceased’s experience.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State described the death of Senator Arthur Nzeribe as a big loss to the people of Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general,” the statement read in part.
