Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has paid tribute to Prof. Gregory Ibe, founder of Gregory University, Uturu, following his death after an illness.
Ibe was the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in the 2023 Abia governorship election.
In a condolence message released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti described the news of Ibe’s death as shocking and painful.
The governor acknowledged the late professor’s contributions to education and research, noting that his passing was a significant loss to Abia State and Nigeria.
The statement read, “The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, received with shock and sadness the news of the passing of an illustrious Abian and the APGA governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, OFR.”
Otti said he had hoped that Ibe would recover from the illness he had battled for some time, but expressed sadness that he did not survive.
The statement added, “The Abia Chief Executive, like numerous other well-wishers, had prayed and hoped that the respected administrator and philanthropist would overcome the sickness he battled for some time. Unfortunately, he couldn’t. We cannot question God.”
The governor called on Ibe’s family, friends and associates to draw strength from his achievements and the positive impact he made during his lifetime.
He urged them to “take solace in the fulfilled and impactful life which he led and strive to uphold his worthy virtues and legacies.”
Otti also offered prayers for the repose of the deceased’s soul on behalf of his family, the Abia State Government and the people of the state.