President Bola Tinubu has described the late Chief Ralph Obioha as one of the Nigerians whose sacrifices helped sustain the struggle for democratic rule following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Tinubu expressed his condolences in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the death of the former lawmaker, businessman and prominent pro-democracy campaigner.
The President said Obioha, a founding member and prominent leader of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, remained committed to democratic governance despite the pressure and challenges faced by activists during the struggle.
“As a founding member and prominent leader of NADECO, Chief Obioha stood firmly on the side of democratic governance during the struggle for the restoration of democracy following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election,” Tinubu said.
He said Obioha belonged to a generation that responded to the call of duty during some of the most difficult periods in Nigeria’s history.
“Despite the challenges and pressures of those difficult years, he remained steadfast in his belief that Nigeria’s destiny was inseparable from democracy, justice, constitutionalism and the right of the Nigerian people to choose their leaders,” the President said.
Tinubu described the deceased as a courageous Nigerian whose contributions to the country’s democratic development should be remembered.
“Chief Ralph Obioha was a courageous Nigerian who made sacrifices for democracy and remained committed to the ideals of a better Nigeria,” he said.
The President said Obioha’s death was a loss to his family, community and the country, adding that his legacy would be remembered for courage, conviction and service.
“His passing is a loss to his family, his community and the nation. We shall remember him for his courage, his convictions, his service and his belief in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
He extended his condolences to Obioha’s family, the people of Abia State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, members of NADECO and other Nigerians mourning the former lawmaker.
Tinubu prayed for comfort for the family and eternal rest for the deceased.
“May the memory of Chief Ralph Obioha endure as a reminder that the building of a nation requires courage, sacrifice, conviction and faith,” he added.
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