11 Facts About Nwafor Orizu

Prince Akweke Abyssinia Nwafor Orizu was a Nigerian Politician, who served as President of the Nigerian Senate from 1963 to early 1966, during the Nigerian First Republic.

Nwafor Orizu was a member of the Nnewi Royal family.

Nwafor Orizu established The American Council on African Education, which obtained numerous tuition scholarships from American sources for the benefit of African students.

Nwafor Orizu went to Enugu to console the striking miners after the shooting of 21 miners on 18 November 1949.

Nwafor Orizu served as acting president of Nigeria from October 1965 to January 16,1966, a period of 3 months.

Nwafor Orizu was later subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison.

Nwafor Orizu ran successfully for election as an independent candidate to represent Onitsha Division, and became the chief whip in the Eastern House of Assembly.

Nwafor Orizu played a central role in helping Zik become premier of the Eastern Region, using his influence in the NCNC to persuade Professor Eyo Ita to resign as premier of the Region.

Under the law, Nwafor Orizu became Acting President during his absence and had all the powers of the President.

Nwafor Orizu made a nationwide broadcast, after he had briefed Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe on the phone on the decision of the cabinet, announcing the cabinet's "voluntary" decision to transfer power to the armed forces.

Nwafor Orizu remained its proprietor until the state government took over all the schools after the defeat of Biafra.