Manchester Green Party: Tragic Death of Deyika Nzeribe, Green Party Mayoral Candidate

3 January 2017

We are very sad to report the sudden and untimely death yesterday (Jan 1) of Deyika Nzeribe, Green Party Candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor.

Deyika Nzeribe, 50, joined the Green Party in 2010, and stood in the Hulme ward by-election in November of that year. He represented the Party in the ward on several occasions after that, as well as being Chair of Manchester Green Party for a period of time.

He beat three other candidates to be the Party's candidate in the 2017 election for the new post of Greater Manchester Mayor. He embraced the role with growing enthusiasm, and would have made an excellent contribution to what will be a high-profile contest. 

Deyika was involved in many campaigns in Manchester and beyond, both inside and outside the Green Party. Within hours of his death being announced his Facebook page was full of tributes from people from many organisations and walks of life; he was a much-loved and generous man and he will be sorely missed. 

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, said: "I was absolutely devastated to hear this tragic and shocking news. My thoughts and those of the whole party go out to Deyika's family right now. Like many in the party I felt privileged to know him, and was thrilled to be asked to be there at the recent launch of his mayoral campaign. He was someone who was so full of life and anyone who met him could not fail to be touched by his gentle genuineness. He will be greatly missed."

Amelia Womack, deputy leader of the Green Party, said: "I am deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of Deyika Nzeribe. Deyika was one of those wonderful people whose passion for life and passion for change was contagious. He inspired, he worked tirelessly and truly cared about his community and the need for change in our world."

Natalie Bennett, former Green Party leader, said: "It was my privilege to work closely with Deyika. He was a man of enormous energy, passion and creativity, caring deeply for his home community of Hulme and broader communities across Manchester."

Astrid Johnson, co-chair Manchester Green Party and mayoral campaign co-manager, said: “We are all in shock to loose this incredible man and good friend. Deyika was one of the most compassionate and thoughtful people I know. He cared deeply about equality for everyone, in Hulme, Manchester and as a Mayoral Candidate for all the communities in Greater Manchester. His fight has always been against poverty and inequality. My main thoughts are with his family at this time for their incredible loss."

Green Party members across Greater Manchester and beyond have expressed their shock and sorrow at this tragic news and on their behalf, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Deyika's family and to his many friends.

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