The death of Senator Francis Arthur Nzeribe has been confirmed even as Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma described the death as a “national” and “personal loss.”

Gov Uzodimma said the death of Senator Arthur Nzeribe is “a big loss to the people of Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general.”

The death of Nzeribe, Ogbuagu Damanze, aged 83 years, was first made public yesterday, Sunday, in early reports quoting unnamed family sources.

Ogbuagu Francis Arthur Nzeribe, was born on November 2, 1938. He emerged a significant force in international business arena, including licensed arms dealings, before returning home, Nigeria, to join partisan politics.

Given his controversial nature, raw courage and deep pocket, Nzeribe soon garnered national attention even before he eventually emerged an elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A statement by Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, said “Senator Nzeribe will forever be remembered as a political juggernaut in Nigeria.”

Governor Uzodimma added that Chief Nzeribe’s “death has robbed Imo State and Nigeria of a seasoned politician and business icon.”

The governor said “Senator Nzeribe died when his fatherly and statesmanly advice were badly needed.”

He commiserated with the family members of Senator Nzeribe, the people of Oguta, his political and business associates, friends and well wishers on his passing, urging them to pray for the deceased.

Governor Uzodimma who also said Senator Nzeribe’s death is “a personal loss to his family, the government and people of Imo State,” urged God to grant the soul of the deceased a peaceful repose.

It would be recalled that Senator Nzeribe, Osi ji, Ogbuagu Damanze, represented Orlu Senatorial Zone of Imo State, as the Senator at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly between October 1983 and December 1983 in the Second Republic on the platform of Nigeria People’s Party (NPP).

At the return of the Third Republic he also represented the people of Imo West, as the Senator, between May 1999 and May 2007 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).