Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the February 25, 2023 election, has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of distinguished constitutional lawyer, Professor Ben Nwabueze, describing it as an irreparable loss for Nigeria.
In a heartfelt message to the Nwabueze family and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Obi emphasized that Nigeria would greatly miss the invaluable wisdom and guidance of Professor Nwabueze.
Obi fondly remembered Professor Nwabueze as a highly respected figure in Nigeria, a patriot, constitutional lawyer, and former Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.
He highlighted Nwabueze’s impressive credentials as an accomplished academic, skilled administrator, and seasoned politician.
Nwabueze was Nigeria’s first academic Senior Advocate of Nigeria and had also served as the Minister of Education and Youth Development.
Obi acknowledged the unwavering support and wise counsel he received from Professor Nwabueze during his political journey, particularly during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State.
He credited Nwabueze’s guidance as a significant factor contributing to the success of his administration in the state.
Even after leaving office, Obi, said he continued to benefit from Professor Nwabueze’s friendly relationship and sagacious advice.
Obi recalled Nwabueze’s dedication to justice, peace, and progress in Nigeria, citing his role as the head of the legal team at the Presidential Election Tribunal in 2019, despite health challenges.
He equally expressed his grief at the irreplaceable loss of the legal luminary and found solace in his substantial contributions to the nation, particularly in the fields of education and constitutional law.
He offered a prayer for God to console the Nwabueze family and all those mourning, while also seeking eternal rest for the departed scholar.
“I am saddened by the death of a very revered Nigerian and a respected father figure, Foremost patriot, Constitutional lawyer, and erstwhile Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN.
“Prof Ben Nwabueze was a seasoned academician, thoroughbred administrator, and experienced politician. An uncommon jurist and scholar, Prof Nwabueze was Nigeria’s first academic Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“He was also the former Minister of Education and Youth Development.
“Throughout my years as the then Governor of Anambra State, his wise counsel and guidance, added to the success my administration achieved in the State which due considerably to his wise counsel. “I continued to enjoy his cordial relationship and wise counsel even after leaving office.
“He was a man who desired justice, peace, and progress in our country. “While I mourn his irreplaceable loss, I am comforted by his immense contribution to our nation, especially in the areas of education and legal practice, especially his specialization of constitutional law.”
