Buhari, Wike, Others Condole Ikpeazu On Ogbulafor’s Demise

President Muhammadu Buhari; Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike; and a host of prominent Nigerians have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Abia State Government and the Ogbulafor family in Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state, over the death of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), national chairman, Eze Vincent Ogbulafor.
Ogbulafor died, last Thursday, in Canada at the age of 73 from an undisclosed ailment.
The late Olokoro Prince became PDP national chairman on March 8, 2008.
He was the first national secretary of the party and a minister under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
He resigned from his appointment as the chairman after he was charged with alleged financial recklessness while serving as a minister.
In his condolence message signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President commiserated with leaders and members of the PDP, the Olokoro Royal Family in Umuahia, and the government and people of Abia State over the loss.
He believed that the late PDP chieftain would be remembered for his role in the nation’s democratic growth.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Kelvin Ebiri, in Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike commiserated with the Governor of Abia State, Dr.OkezieIkpeazu, over the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor.
The governor said it was with deep sadness that he learnt about the death of Ogbulafor.
Wike, in his condolence message to Ikpeazu, the Ogbulafor family and the good people of Abia State, described the death of the former PDP national chairman as a grievous loss that would leave a particularly broad void in the ranks of genuine lovers of the PDP.
He noted that Ogbulafor, who was also a former national secretary of the PDP, was one of the towering and outstanding figures in the country’s political spectrum.
According to him, Ogbulafor would be remembered for his noteworthy contributions to the PDP and the country’s democracy.
“He was steadfast in purpose, total in commitment, flawless in character, and yet simple in manner. In fact, his reign as national chairman of the PDP was remarkable.
“On behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, I sincerely express my profound condolences to Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the Ogbulafor family and the good people of Abia State. I pray God grant you the fortitude to bear this loss.”
Reacting to the demise of the influential politician, Ikpeazu expressed deep sadness over the news of the passing of Ogbulafor.
The governor described him as a first-class gentleman, an authentic Nigerian leader and one of the most outstanding Abians whose sojourn in politics and administration put Abia firmly on the map of Nigerian political development, especially in the 3rd Republic.
In his condolence message, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, said the late Olokoro Prince left a record of excellent services to the party, nation, and humanity.
Ortom lamented the demise of Ogbulafor at a time when his wealth of experience in party administration would have been handy to resolve the intractable crises within the party.
Also reacting, former President of the Senate, David Mark, described the death of the PDP leader as a huge loss to the party and the nation at large.
Mark noted that the deceased was a fine gentleman who was passionate and committed to the growth and sustenance of democracy in the country.
In his condolence message, Chairman of Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa/NEPAD, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, described Ogbulafor as a true party man who stood to be counted when it mattered.
He noted that the former PDP leader was a good administrator and consummate politician who contributed to the growth of the party.