Renowned politician and a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Arthur Nzeribe, has passed on at 83.
The former lawmaker who represented Imo West district in the upper chamber of the National Assembly died on Sunday, family sources told Channels Television.
According to them, the former senator died in his country home in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State after a protracted sickness that left him bedridden for a long time.
The family of the politician confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday titled, ‘Our mighty Iroko has fallen: Senator Chief Francis is dead’.
The statement was signed by Ojiabu Francis Anyegbu Nzeribe, Anthony Akpati Nzeribe, and Ojiabu Oliver Nwedo Nzeribe on behalf of Nzeribe Royal Family.
The statement reads;
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, born November 2, 1938, represented Imo Orlu constituency at the Senate from May 1999 to May 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
More than a decade later, he returned to the Senate and represented the people of Imo West district between May 1999 and May 2007 on the PDP platform.
During his return to the upper federal legislative house, a former President of the Senate, Pius Anyim, suspended Nzeribe indefinitely in November 2002 over an allegation of N22 million fraud.
