A maverick politician and business man, Senator Francis Arthur Nzeribe, is dead.
He died of an undisclosed sickness on Sunday at the age of 83 years.
Nzeribe, who represented Imo Orlu constituency at the Senate from May 1999 to May 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, died at a London hospital, according to family sources.
A statement by representatives of the late politician’s family, Ojiabu Francis Anyegbu Nzeribe, Anthony Akpati Nzeribe, and Ojiabu Oliver Nwedo Nzeribe, read in part: “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.”
Nzeribe was an ardent supporter of the late Gen. Sani Abacha and contributed significantly to sustaining annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, and which was presummed the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria ‘s political history.
