PORT HARRCOUURT/Nigeria: A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has commiserated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the death of Mr. Ifeanyi Izeze, describing the loss as both shocking and deeply painful.
In a condolence message to Atiku, Eze portrayed the late Izeze as a pioneering figure in the former Vice President’s media structure, noting that he played a critical role in shaping the communication architecture of Atiku’s political engagements over the years.
Eze described Izeze as an “admirable, visionary, focused, upright and fearless media iconoclast,” whose absence, he said, would be sorely felt at a time when the nation needs courageous voices to speak truth to power.
“The news of the death of my friend and brother, Pastor Ifeanyi Izeze, assaulted my earlobes. It is painful to lose such an enigma and resourceful communication strategist at a time his services were most needed,” Eze stated.
He further described the late media strategist as a dependable asset in media management, stressing that Atiku had lost a loyal ally and trusted hand within his political fold.
Recalling their working relationship, Eze noted that Izeze served as Manager of Atiku’s Media Team and was also a prominent member of the defunct Action Congress (AC) Presidential Campaign Media Team. He said the deceased demonstrated exceptional leadership, effectively managing seasoned professionals without friction.
“With great minds like Malam Shehu Garba and Lai Mohammed on the team, my late friend handled us all with rare professionalism, and none of us had cause for complaint,” Eze said.
He recounted how, after the 2007 presidential campaign, Izeze ensured that team members received their entitlements before facilitating his redeployment to Rivers State to support Prince Tonye Princewill’s governorship campaign, a gesture he described as reflective of Izeze’s sense of responsibility and leadership.
Eze said he remained in close contact with the deceased until his passing, expressing regret that their last exchange did not hint at the impending tragedy. “As at last Friday, he read all my messages and never indicated he was about leaving me. Death has been unfair,” he lamented.
In an emotional reflection, Eze shared a recent message sent to him by the late Izeze, filled with prayers and words of encouragement, noting that he had expected his usual weekly message before receiving news of his death.
He also disclosed that barely two weeks before his passing, Izeze had reached out to discuss ideas on how they could jointly contribute to addressing Nigeria’s leadership challenges, a conversation he said now remains unfinished.
“Right now, I am left without a great and inspiring partner,” Eze added.
While praying for the repose of Izeze’s soul, Eze urged God to grant Atiku Abubakar, his family, and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He also commended Atiku for recognising Izeze’s contributions, describing the late strategist as one of the foremost and foundational members of his media team.
“Adieu my friend. Rest on until we meet again, never to part,” Eze concluded.
