The remains of politician and businessman Arthur Nzeribe were laid to rest on Saturday at his country home, Oguta, in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state.
Nzeribe, a former Nigerian senator, died on May 5 at the age of 83.
Governor Hope Uzodinma, in his remarks at the funeral, said that Mr. Nzeribe will always be remembered for his contributions in the political and business sectors.
“I took the time to go through the tributes and found that we all say the same thing: he lived very well,” said Uzodinma.
“Today we are moved by the words of our friend, the man who defined the political landscape of Nigeria.
“We may have been at odds politically due to party A and party B, but Ogbuagu, Oshiji Damanze Oyimba was a common denominator. He created a platform that became a school.
“The wisdom that most of us got from school is still used as an asset.
“Yes, we may have lost him, but at the end of the day, his actions and activities in both active politics, business and philanthropy will always speak for him,” he added.
The governor assured those invited to the burial ceremony that they would have adequate security.
The Catholic priest, John Obilo, who delivered the sermon at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oguta, praised the life and times of the late Nzeribe.
Obilo warned political leaders against injustice and “hiding the truth”.
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reported that the event attracted VIPs including former state governors Emeka Ihedioha and Ikedi Ohakim.
Also attending the event was Osita Izunaso, a former senator from Imo State, George Muoghalu, managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, and some traditional Igbo rulers.
The late Nzeribe had represented the Orlu senatorial district from October to December 1993 in the Second Republic under the defunct People’s Party of Nigeria.
He later represented Imo West District from 1999 to 2007 on the People’s Democratic Party platform.
The late politician would be remembered for his infamous role during the June 12, 1993 presidential election, how he obtained a midnight court ruling against holding the election.
(YAYA)