Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 30
A 2-time MLA and also a former top bureaucrat of Nagaland state, Z Obed is no more. He was 85 when he breathed his last in Dimapur today.
He had represented 9 Kohima Town Assembly Constituency twice (1993 and 2003) serving in the SC Jamir government as a Congress legislator and later in Neiphiu Rio’s DAN I coalition as a Cabinet Minister. He last contested in 2008 when he lost to incumbent Dr Nicky Kire.
Before his foray into politics in the early 90s, Obed retired as the Chief Secretary. He has the distinction of helming the top bureaucratic post twice.
Meanwhile, condolence messages poured in, led by the Nagaland Chief Minister.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio remembered Obed as a thorough gentleman, a learned elder and a kind soul, who was at the same time a sincere and efficient bureaucrat and a visionary leader keeping the welfare of the people above all else. In his demise, Rio said Nagaland has lost a valuable senior leader, whose advice and guidance will be deeply missed.
NLA Speaker-in-Charge, Sharingain Longkumer said Obed was a man of vision and a dynamic leader who worked diligently as a bureaucrat and as a Minister for the welfare of the people of Nagaland.
MP Lok Sabha, Tokheho Yepthomi described Obed as a thorough gentleman, who bore no ill-will. In him we have lost a great person, who dedicated his life for the people and our state, he added.
Former Nagaland Chief Minister and Governor, Dr SC Jamir recalled Obed as one of the most promising officers among his peers, who could shoulder any responsibility. Be it in bureaucracy or in political field, he achieved distinction by virtue of his devotion and dedication, he added.
Nagaland Chief Secretary Temjen Toy said Obed served under various capacities during the formative years of the State.
“He served as Chief Secretary from 1980-1982 and then again from 1987-1989. The people of Nagaland have lost a pioneering leader,” Toy stated. Deputy CM, Y Patton described Obed as one of the finest breed of bureaucrats from Nagaland and later a Cabinet Minister who worked hard for the people he represented.
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie remembered Obed as a strong and decisive man, who stood by the principles of equality, secularism and democracy. He stood tall for what he believed in even if it meant having to withstand the tide, Therie said.
