Ogbulafor made significant impact on the nation as Minister of Economic Planning as well as National Secretary and Chairman of PDP
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has expressed deep sadness over the death of the former National Chairman of PDP, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor.
Family sources confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia that Ogbulafor died in Canada on Thursday, following a protracted illness.
Ikpeazu’s reaction to the incident is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onyebuchi Ememanka, and made available to newsmen in Umuahia.
He described the deceased as a first class gentleman and an authentic Nigerian leader.
He further eulogised him for positioning Abia “firmly on the map of Nigerian political development, especially in the Third Republic”.
He added that Ogbulafor made significant impact on the nation as Minister of Economic Planning as well as National Secretary and Chairman of PDP.
“Prince Ogbulafor was clearly Abia’s biggest gift to Nigerian politics in the Third Republic.
“His activities kept Abia in the limelight as he served this country with unparalleled dedication.
“During and after his national assignment, he never forgot home.
“He made himself available at all times and was involved in the political process in Abia,” the statement added.
The governor further described him as “a great bridge builder under whose watch as National Secretary and later National Chairman, our party witnessed her finest moments.
“As governor, I found in him a huge reservoir of political and administrative experience from which I drank regularly.
“He was willing at all times to place his wide experience and contacts at my disposal,” he stated.
According to him, Abia has lost a quintessential political figure.
He stated that his death had denied Abia the opportunity of receiving useful advice on issues of elections, where his experience would have been a solid reference point for the party in 2023.
He opined that Abia people would take solace in the exemplary life of service lived by the deceased and prayed for the repose of his soul.
He urged his family to be strong and keep flying the flag of excellence hoisted by their father.
In a similar vein, the state Chairman of PDP, Chief Alwell Okere, has commiserated with the bereaved family over the death of the septuagenarian politician.
Okere remarked in a statement that the deceased was until his death a member of the state PDP Council of Elders and the party’s 2023 Election Advisory Council.
He described him as “a consummate politician”, who served Abia and PDP in different capacities.
He stated that the party would miss his invaluable advice that helped to strengthen the party.