The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has expressed grief over the death of former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. Joe Irukwu, describing him as a statesman, who gave his all in the service of his fatherland.
The Deputy Speaker who further described the ex-Ohanaeze President General as an Iroko, regretted, however, that the Iroko had fallen at a time his experience and wise counsel were most needed in navigating Nigeria out of her present difficult situation.
“I am very saddened by this news and it is a heavy loss to the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole. Prof. Irukwu was a fine gentleman, a statesman par excellence, a pan-Nigerian, a democrat, and an intellectual giant, who gave his all in the service of Nigeria and Africa.
He was an insurance mogul and guardian, who played significant and frontline roles in the nurture and development of the insurance industry in Nigeria and Africa. The Igbo, in particular, will remember him as not just a former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, but an illustrious son, who was selfless, courageous, and firm in running and promoting a collegiate and focused Ohanaeze. His many front-role capacities in law, academics, and insurance are self-evident. He was indeed an example of how a man can love and sacrifice for his people and nation. He will therefore be greatly missed by the nation,” Hon Kalu said.
He expressed heartfelt condolences to the late university don’s immediate family, the people of Amokwe Item, Governor Alex Otti and the people of Abia State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Nigeria Bar Association and the African insurance industry over the irreparable loss and prayed to God for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.
