The Prime Minister of Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU), Amb. John Metchie, has expressed sadness over the demise of Prof. Ben Nwabueze, a former Secretary General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo.

In a statement Thursday, which he personally signed, Metchie who is also the African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), condoled the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, His Excellency, High Chief, Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the entire leadership of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization and the global Igbo community, both at home and Diaspora, on the demise of the well respected legal luminary.

Dr. Metchie, also the President-General of Umueri community, described Prof. Nwabueze as an uncommon professional, who distinguished himself in the legal profession throughout the many years he practiced both in Nigeria and across the world and transcended beyond, without blemish.

Metchie said that as a former Federal Minister, constitutional lawyer, Senior advocate of Nigeria and author of many books and essays, late Prof. Nwabueze dedicated his entire life serving humanity rather than self.

In addition to serving Nigeria with the best of his abilities, especially in terms of legal and constitutional reforms, Chief Metchie said that Prof. Nwabueze played key roles in the emancipation and empowerment of his people by championing the Igbo Reinassence.

He recalled that at a younger age, Prof. Nwabueze worked under the first Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Jerome Udoji at the period when Dr. Akanu Ibiam served as the organisation’s first President General, adding that from that period and all through his life, the late legal colossus gave the Igbo and Nigeria, all that were within him.

Metchie said- “It is with a heart full of pain that I received the news of the passing of the great Igbo Iroko, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, who by all means, was one of the best gifts of God to the nation, Nigeria and the world.

“It is true that Prof. Nwabueze died at a ripe age of 95 years, for which we give thanks to his creator. However, we mourn the passing of the giant, because of what he represented and the yawning gap his death has left in the hearts and lives of our people, especially the Igbo, whom he gave all of his being.

“Recognised by many academic institutions across Nigeria and the world as the greatest legal scholar out of Africa, Prof. Ben Nwabueze is by all standards, a shining light and pathfinder to scholarly illuminations and intellectual development.

“That Prof. Nwabueze’s death is being greeted with standing ovation across Nigeria and the world, is a thing of pride to the global Igbo community and a shouting testimony of outstanding human qualities.

“It is also on that premise that I encourage Ohaneze leadership, especially, His Excellency, High Chief, Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and Ndigbo worldwide to bear the departure of the great Iroko with fortitude and with the hope that the seed he planted would be watered to bear bountiful fruits by the many intellectuals and activists he raised before departing.

“It is on that note that I pray the Almighty God to grant Prof. Ben Nwabueze, a peaceful rest,” Metchie concluded.