In this interview conducted by Kelechi Ugo, a London based business man, Chuka Obiozor popularly called “The King Obiozor’ of Awo-omamma in Oru-East Council Area of Imo State x-rayed the life style of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Late Amb. Professor George Achulike Obiozor. Excerpt
Who is Late Amb. Prof. George Obiozor to you?
He is my first cousin.
His father is my father’s elder brother.
And I base in London where I do my business.
Honestly,Prof. Obiozor was an institution during his life time.Can you recall his life style?
He was a man of peace, justice and equity. He was a good man. He was a man who always make sure that everybody around him is happy. He was a father for all. He was a worthy cousin to me because of the way he took us. He lived a life worthy of emulation. When we lost our father,he told us that our father has not died. We are now realizing why he said so. We were covered with his wisdom.His death has made us to realize that our father has died. If you know him very well, you know that we have missed a precious thing. Every body that come across him must have something to testify. He was one in a million. He was a genius.
Please Sir,can you go back to your memory lane and recall his antecedents during his reign as an Ambassador?
He was Nigerian Ambassador to Israel. He was an extraordinary Ambassador. And he was the person who established Nigerian Embassy in Sypros. And he was Nigerian Ambassador to US during Obasanjo’s regime. He was an Ambassador with a difference.
During his emergence as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, former Governor Rochas Okorocha brought out Engr. Chidi Ibeh to form a parallel government which could not see light of the day. Would you say that for him to accept the position was a mistake?
It was not a mistake. He died in active service. If you know him very well, you will understand that whatever he does is for the benefit of Igbo people. He was like a dedicated soldier who fears no war.
He wouldn’t mind whatever people may think. And we are proud of him as a father, brother and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. And Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been existing before Senator Hope Uzodimma become the Governor of Imo State. It was not brought by Hope Uzodimma. I spoke with Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who told me that he nominated and supported my brother, Obiozor for the position. Chidi Ibeh is not a match to my brother. If you look at his CV and antecedents,you will understand don’t know who else should be appointed for the position. His emergence was by merit. And we are happy for him.
Regrettably,his house was set ablaze by hoodlums last year. And he lost properties worth millions of naira.
So,what is your impression about such dastardly act?.
There is problem every where in Nigeria. Unknown gunmen every where. It could be people sponsored by politicians. Any way,life goes on. This is an ongoing something. Insecurity is every where in Nigeria. We pray that peace returns in Igbo land. My cousin is dead,but he lives on. He is still there for us. And my brother staked his life to make sure that Igbos are together.
Many people are of the opinion tha that the fire incident was the major reason for your brother’s death. Do you subscribe to that?
That’s a wrong assumption. It is very wrong to subject his death to that. I don’t think that incident contributed to his death. Nothing killed him. It was his time. He was a strong and great man. Nobody contributed to his death. Before him, the former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo,Chief Nnia Nwodo’s house was burnt by hoodlums. It’s an ongoing something. And Igbo land will still be peaceful again. My brother was only campaigning for Igbo unity.
Unfortunately,he is no longer there, but he lives on.
Your brother was an ardent believer of Igbo course before he died. Do you share the same vision with him?.
Yes,I am supporting Peter Obi to become the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Peter Obi is not only candidate for Ndigbo, but candidate for Nigerians. Just like the way my brother won Ohanaeze Ndigbo PG by merit. Let’s go by merit. I am supporting Peter Obi because of merit. It is no longer about political parties,ethnic group or religion. It’s the time to fix the country for our children. The only man capable of doing that is Peter Obi. I have not seen a man in this Nigeria who became a governor without wrongly acquire a piece of land and steal money. I learnt he left over #70 billion in Anambra State account when he left office as governor.
He refused to make his two children rich with Anambra State money. And that is more than enough to be voted as the next president of Nigeria. Even those contesting with him know that he is better than them.
Let us narrow the politics to Imo State.
Are you comfortable with Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration?
I think he is trying his best. He is a great man. He is a man of integrity. People don’t know him very well. It’s unfortunate that unknown gunmen are disturbing his government. I have gone round Imo and discovered that he is doing well. He will do more if we vote him for second tenure.
-Thank you!
